By Hassan Adan
The Mandera County Government has released a KSh 60 million bursary fund to support thousands of students across the county, in a renewed push to improve access to education and reduce financial barriers for learners.
The announcement was made by Bishar Ibrahim Ali, the County Executive Committee Member for Education and Human Capital Development, who described the initiative as a key pillar of the county’s development strategy.
“We are gathered here today to officially announce the release of the bursary fund under the Department of Education and Human Capital Development,” Ali said. “This initiative remains a cornerstone of our broader vision to invest in human capital and secure the future of our youth.”
The bursary, which will be distributed across all 30 wards in Mandera County, is expected to benefit students enrolled in universities, tertiary institutions, and colleges, as well as provide partial support to secondary school students studying outside the county.
The county education minister said the Mandera County Education Bursary Board will soon issue a public notice inviting applications from eligible beneficiaries, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I wish to inform the residents of Mandera County that the bursary board will shortly invite applications from all eligible students. We want this process to be inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all,” he said.
The education official linked the programme to the policy direction of Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, noting that education remains central to the county’s long-term development agenda.
“This programme reflects the commitment of His Excellency Mohamed Adan Khalif to prioritise education as a driver of socio-economic transformation,” Ali added.
Mandera County Executive Committee Member for Education (right), accompanied by Mr Aftiin Kullow, Chairman of the County Bursary Board, addresses the press at the Ministry headquarters in Mandera Town.
In addition to the bursary fund, the county government also announced the immediate release of KSh 76,499,449 under the Elimu Kwa Wote programme, which will finance school fees for students in 68 public senior secondary schools.
According to officials, the programme will directly benefit 20,681 learners, many of whom come from vulnerable households in remote parts of the county.
“This funding will ensure that no child is sent home due to a lack of school fees,” Ali said. “Education is a right, not a privilege, and we are committed to making it accessible to every learner,” the county education boss said.
The county has also settled examination fees for 393 trainees from seven vocational training centres who are sitting for national trade tests administered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), at a total cost of KSh 3.6 million.
Ali emphasised the importance of technical and vocational training in equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
“We are not only supporting academic pathways but also investing in vocational training to empower our youth with hands-on skills that can drive economic growth,” he said.
To facilitate implementation, the county government will issue a circular directing all ward administrators to begin the bursary application process, with oversight measures aimed at ensuring fairness and accountability.
Education stakeholders in the region have welcomed the move, noting that bursary programmes have played a critical role in improving school retention and transition rates in historically marginalised areas.
Mandera County, located in Kenya’s northeastern region, continues to face challenges related to access to quality education, including poverty, long distances to schools, and limited infrastructure.
However, officials say sustained investments such as the bursary fund and targeted education programmes are beginning to yield positive outcomes.
“This is not just about funding education,” Ali said. “It is about restoring hope, creating opportunity, and building a generation that will lead Mandera into a more prosperous future.”
