The County Government of Kirinyaga has signed the Inter-Governmental Partnership Agreement (IPA) with the Ministry of Education, paving the way for the long-awaited resumption of bursary issuance to thousands of needy learners.
The move positions Kirinyaga among the latest devolved governments to formalize this partnership, unlocking a critical support system that had stalled for over a year following constitutional concerns raised by the Controller of Budget (CoB).
The signing of the agreement marks a major relief for thousands of students who rely on county-funded bursaries to sustain their education. The Controller of Budget had halted bursary disbursements last year, citing alleged contravention of the Constitution, which classifies education—ranging from primary to university—as a national government function. In a circular dated January 14, 2025, CoB Margaret Nyakang’o directed all County Executive Committee Members for Finance to stop issuing bursaries, terming the practice unconstitutional.
However, with the new agreement, counties now regain a legal mandate to implement bursary programs, thanks to guidance and support from the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC). The IPA outlines how counties can support education while remaining within constitutional boundaries.
Governor Anne Waiguru welcomed the development, noting that it ends the uncertainty that had hindered bursary issuance during the 2024/2025 financial year. She confirmed that her administration will now proceed to disburse sh. 126.5 million allocated for bursaries in the 2025/2026 financial year, once the agreement is gazetted.
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“Understanding the challenge that was there in disbursing the bursaries in the financial year 2024/25, we have endeavored to solve that by signing the agreement, and we expect the process of gazettement to be finalized by the end of this month,” Waiguru said. “This will ensure that funds are released in time for the school reopening.”
The Governor emphasized that the county will continue managing the bursary function, restoring support to thousands of needy learners who have gone without assistance for a full year. Over time, Kirinyaga has demonstrated strong commitment to supporting education through bursaries.
Waiguru noted that since 2017, the county has cumulatively disbursed sh. 540.7 million to needy students. The kitty has grown significantly from sh. 49.1 million in 2017/2018 to sh. 146 million in 2023/2024, reflecting increasing demand and expanding county investment in education.
According to the county’s records, nearly 200,000 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds have benefited from the bursary program over the past seven years, enabling them to remain in school and pursue their academic goals.
Beyond bursaries, the county has invested heavily in improving early learning infrastructure and services. Governor Waiguru highlighted that her administration has constructed and renovated numerous Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms across the county. These facilities have been equipped with furniture, water tanks, and play materials to support safer and more child-friendly environments.
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This sustained investment has led to a noticeable increase in ECDE enrollment—from 13,280 learners in 2017 to 16,398 learners in 2025. Additionally, about 15,000 ECDE pupils have received free school uniforms from the county, further easing the financial burden on parents.
Another key milestone in the sector is the absorption of ECDE teachers into permanent and pensionable terms, a move the Governor says has significantly boosted morale and enhanced service delivery. The county has also consistently replaced teachers who exit the system and equipped them with Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) teaching aids. Refresher trainings have improved classroom engagement and strengthened learning outcomes.
“We have consistently replaced exiting ECDE teachers, equipped them with CBC-aligned teaching aids, and offered refresher courses, boosting classroom engagement and improving learner outcomes,” Waiguru noted.
As Kirinyaga prepares to resume bursary disbursement, the signing of the Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement marks a crucial step in safeguarding educational opportunities for vulnerable learners. It reinforces the county’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints—an investment that continues to shape the future of thousands of families across the region.
By Jane Mugambi
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