Needy students across counties will have to wait longer for county bursaries after the Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, halted their disbursement due to non-compliance with constitutional requirements.
This decision could delay financial aid for thousands of students relying on county bursaries for their education, posing a significant challenge for families already struggling to meet school-related expenses.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, Dr. Nyakang’o emphasized that county governments must adhere to Article 187 of the Constitution, which requires the proper transfer of functions through an intergovernmental agreement before withdrawing funds for education support.
Margaret Nyakang’o advises county governments to follow due process while withdrawing county bursaries
“The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution designates universities, tertiary educational institutions, primary schools, special education, and secondary schools as functions of the national government.
Consequently, for a county government to offer educational support in these areas, there is a need to transfer the function in accordance with Article 187 of the Constitution,” the statement read in part.
The process, as outlined under Article 187 and Section 26 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, Cap 265F, mandates the formulation of an intergovernmental agreement, executed by an authorized person, and published in the Kenya Gazette.
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Dr. Nyakang’o clarified that any requisition for withdrawal of funds to perform functions categorized under the national government’s mandate must be accompanied by this agreement as prescribed by law.
County governments have been urged to comply with the legal requirements promptly to ensure the resumption of bursary disbursements and continued support for needy students.
Elsewhere, the government announced that students enrolled in the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law (KSL) for the 2025/2026 academic year will not receive student loans from the Higher Education and Loans Board (HELB).
Students in KSL not to receive HELB Funds in 2025/2026 academic year
In a notice on January 14, KSL Director Henry Mutai announced that students taking the ATP this year will not receive the funds due to the current budgetary constraints experienced by the government.
Also Read: Govt Explains Why Select Students Will Not Receive HELB Funds This Year
The school stated that it could not allocate funds to the Legal Education Fund for the current financial year.
“Unfortunately, due to the current budgetary constraints being experienced by the government, the school was unable to set aside any resources to replenish the Fund in the current financial year.
As a result, we regret to inform our incoming ATP students for the academic year 2025/2026 that the school is not able to offer any tuition loan,” the notice by the KSL Director read.
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