Thousands of learners across Kenya face uncertainty after the Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, suspended funding for expired county bursary programmes, citing legal non-compliance and procedural lapses.
In her latest Budget Implementation Review Report for the 2024/25 financial year, Nyakang’o revealed that several counties had continued to operate education support schemes beyond their legally mandated lifespan without renewal by county assemblies.
Regulation 197(1)(i) of the Public Finance Management (County Governments) Regulations, 2015, sets a 10-year limit for such funds unless formally extended.
The Controller’s decision affects bursary allocations meant to support needy students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities.
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In Bungoma County, the Education Support Scheme was among the funds halted, while Busia was flagged for continuing to operate a bursary programme despite its expiry. Busia had allocated Ksh219.8 million to the fund this year, representing 2.4 per cent of its total budget.
Elgeyo Marakwet’s Education Fund was also cut off, alongside similar programmes in Garissa, Embu, Kisii, and Homa Bay. In Kisii, the Bursary Fund was one of four expired schemes, while Homa Bay was warned that its education fund would lapse by December 31 unless renewed.
Nyakang’o emphasized that her office cannot approve withdrawals for funds that lack a valid legal framework. “These programmes must undergo timely review and extension to avoid operational disruptions,” the report stated.
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The freeze has sparked concern among education stakeholders, who warn that delays in bursary disbursement could derail learning for thousands of students. Critics have questioned why county assemblies and legal teams failed to monitor and renew the funds, as required under Section 116 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.
Pressure is mounting on county governments to regularize their bursary schemes and ensure continued support for learners in need.
By Masaki Enock
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