Governors have appealed to senators to urgently resolve a bursary funding freeze that has left thousands of learners unable to pay school fees across secondary and tertiary institutions.
The standoff follows a Nakuru High Court ruling in April 2025 that barred the Controller of Budget (CoB) from approving bursary withdrawals. The case was triggered by a January 14, 2025, circular from CoB Margaret Nyakang’o, who argued that bursaries do not fall under counties’ legal mandate.
Although a temporary understanding was reached between Nyakang’o and the Council of Governors, the court order continues to restrict access to the funds, creating a financial crisis for students and parents.
Appearing before the Senate Education Committee, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata warned that thousands of learners risk being sent home despite counties having already budgeted for bursaries.
“As we debate the law and the roles of the two levels of government, students remain at home while preparing for exams,” Kang’ata said, stressing the urgency of Senate intervention. He urged the immediate release of the money, saying legal issues could be resolved later once learners resume classes.
Kang’ata added that Murang’a County had already signed a transfer of functions agreement with the Ministry of Education under Article 187 of the Constitution, enabling counties to deliver education support more efficiently.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also backed the call, noting that education should not be seen as a national responsibility alone.
“Education is not solely a national mandate; it is a shared responsibility,” Nassir said. “Bursaries ensure no child is left behind because of financial hardship. Counties must complement the national government to bridge gaps and empower marginalised communities.”
He emphasised that families in informal settlements often cannot afford even subsidised schooling, and county bursary schemes have been crucial in keeping learners in class.
Murang’a has been among the counties investing heavily in education support. In the 2022/23 financial year, the county spent Ksh308 million on bursaries and scholarships for secondary schools, vocational institutions, TVET colleges, and universities. The following year, it allocated Ksh252 million, with most of the funding directed to secondary education.
In January 2025, the county launched the Ksh275 million Inua Masomo programme, targeting the top 10 students in Forms Two, Three, and Four across 256 public day schools. The initiative was aimed at easing parents’ financial burdens and promoting academic achievement.
Governors are now pressing senators to help unlock the funds, warning that unless the freeze is lifted, thousands of learners face disrupted education and uncertain futures.
