Kakamega County Government has confirmed an intergovernmental partnership with the national government on education funding. The agreement establishes a legal framework for issuing bursaries and scholarships within the county.
Governor Fernandes Barasa announced the development through a gazette notice dated January 16. He stated that both governments signed the agreement on May 19, 2025.
The agreement took effect on June 1, 2025, after completion of formal procedures. It now guides how the county will manage specific education functions.
Legal Basis Anchored in the Constitution
Barasa anchored the agreement on Article 187 of the Constitution of Kenya. That provision allows transfer of certain functions between levels of government.
He also cited sections 6, 34, and 36 of the County Governments Act. In addition, section 26 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act supports such partnerships.
The Ministry of Education signed the agreement on behalf of the national government. Kakamega County Government signed on behalf of the devolved unit.
The agreement strictly limits the transferred functions to bursaries and scholarships. It does not transfer the entire education mandate to the county.
Scope Covers All Levels of Education
The arrangement covers primary and special education institutions within Kakamega County. It also includes secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Universities fall within the scope of the partnership as specified in the notice. The county may therefore administer bursary support across all levels.
Barasa stated that the framework aims to enhance transparency in education funding. He emphasized accountability in the management of public resources.
The governor argued that residents often raise concerns about opaque bursary allocation processes. He maintained that this agreement will streamline procedures and reduce duplication.
Resource Sharing and Administrative Coordination
The agreement promotes structured sharing of resources between both levels of government. It seeks to harmonize education service delivery within the county.
County officials will coordinate closely with national education officers. Both sides will align eligibility criteria and verification processes.
Barasa indicated that the partnership will reduce administrative bottlenecks. He said families often struggle with fragmented funding systems.
The county will not act independently of national standards. It must comply with regulatory frameworks set by the Ministry of Education.
Amendment Clause and Oversight
The gazette notice clarified that parties may amend the agreement through mutual consent. Any amendment must appear in writing and bear signatures from both governments.
Such amendments will take effect on the date of execution. They will automatically form part of the existing agreement.
The notice invited members of the public to inspect the original documents. Officials have made them available at the Ministry of Education headquarters.
Residents may also access the documents at the Office of the Kakamega County Attorney. The county headquarters will facilitate that inspection process.
Political and Governance Implications
This agreement signals a deeper collaboration between national and county governments. It tests the practical boundaries of devolved education functions.
Education remains primarily a national function under the Constitution. Counties often demand greater involvement in funding local learners.
Barasa has positioned the deal as a pragmatic solution rather than a political confrontation. He framed it as a service delivery enhancement strategy.
Critics may question whether counties possess sufficient administrative capacity. Effective implementation will depend on disciplined financial management.
Mombasa Signs Similar Agreement
The announcement follows a similar move by Mombasa County. Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff confirmed a comparable partnership in early February.
His gazette notice appeared on February 6 after signing the agreement on January 15. That arrangement also facilitates transfer of specific education elements.
Abdulswamad stated that the objective centers on resource sharing in education service delivery. He emphasized equitable access to quality and inclusive education.
Mombasa County now operates under a framework similar to Kakamega’s arrangement. Both counties rely on constitutional and statutory provisions to justify the transfer.
Practical Impact on Students and Families
The agreement could directly affect thousands of students in Kakamega County. Families often depend on bursaries to meet tuition and related costs.
A unified framework may reduce confusion during application periods. It may also minimize delays in fund disbursement.
However, the county must ensure strict auditing mechanisms. Weak oversight could expose the program to misallocation risks.
Transparent publication of beneficiary lists will build public trust. Clear eligibility criteria will reduce accusations of favoritism.
Expectations and Accountability
Barasa has publicly committed to accountability and transparent management. He now faces the task of translating legal provisions into operational efficiency.
County officers must develop clear guidelines and communication channels. They must also coordinate regularly with national education officials.
The agreement represents an opportunity to improve grassroots education funding. It also presents a governance test for intergovernmental cooperation.
Success will depend on disciplined execution rather than political symbolism. Residents will judge the partnership based on tangible support for learners.
Kakamega County has therefore entered a structured phase of education collaboration. The coming months will reveal whether the framework delivers measurable results
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