County Bursaries for University Students in Kenya: How to Apply and Qualify

Q: How often can I apply for a county bursary in Kenya?

County bursaries are annual — apply every year of your university studies. Some counties renew automatically for continuing students with proof of enrollment; others require fresh applications each cycle. Check with your specific ward office on renewal procedures.

Q: What is the maximum county bursary amount in Kenya?

This varies widely. Wealthier counties may award up to KSh 50,000 per student per year. Most counties average KSh 10,000–20,000. The specific maximum for your county depends on that year's budget allocation divided by the number of beneficiaries — these figures are not published in advance.

Q: Can I receive county bursary and NG-CDF simultaneously?

Yes — county bursary and NG-CDF are different funds from different government levels. There is no restriction on receiving both, and doing so is common among well-informed students. Apply to both every cycle.

Q: What happens if I move counties during my studies?

Your county bursary eligibility is typically based on your home county registration — where your family is registered. Moving to another city for studies does not change your county bursary eligibility at your home county. Some counties may ask for updated enrollment letters from your university annually to confirm you are still studying.

Q: Do county bursaries cover postgraduate studies?

Most county bursary programs prioritize undergraduate and diploma students. Some counties extend bursaries to postgraduate students, but this is less consistent. Contact your specific county's education department to confirm whether postgraduate enrollment qualifies.

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County government bursaries are among the most accessible and underutilized education grants in Kenya. Here is how to successfully apply.

How County Bursaries Work

Every Kenyan county government allocates a portion of its annual budget to education bursaries for residents pursuing secondary school and higher education. The total bursary pool, number of beneficiaries, and individual award amounts vary significantly by county — wealthier counties generally have larger budgets and higher award amounts. County bursary programs are administered through the county’s Education or Social Services department, with applications typically processed through ward offices.

Who Qualifies for County Bursaries?

Eligibility criteria that are consistent across most Kenyan counties: residence in the county (confirmed by voter registration, school attendance history, or chief’s letter), enrollment at an accredited secondary school, university, or TVET institution, financial need (demonstrated through parent income documentation), and Kenyan citizenship. Some counties additionally require: minimum academic performance, priority for orphans and children from female-headed households, or priority for first-time bursary applicants.

Application Process

Timing: County bursary applications typically open in July–August (aligned with the county financial year) and sometimes again in January (academic year). Monitor your county government’s website and social media. Application point: Most counties process applications through ward administrator offices — visit your ward office with all required documents during the application window. Some counties have moved to online applications through county government portals. Review: Applications are reviewed by ward and sub-county committees who verify eligibility and assess need. Approval and disbursement: Approved students are notified and bursary funds are disbursed directly to institutions or via Mpesa in most counties.

💡 Tip: Apply in person at your ward office even if you believe an online option exists — in-person applications in Kenya’s ward system often have a processing advantage because the ward administrator can confirm your details immediately and flag your application correctly.

County Variations to Know

County bursary amounts range enormously: Nairobi (KSh 15,000–50,000), Mombasa (KSh 10,000–40,000), Kisumu (KSh 10,000–30,000) vs smaller counties which may award KSh 5,000–15,000. Some counties have dedicated portals (check your county website), while others are entirely manual. A few counties have moved to merit-plus-need systems requiring academic transcripts alongside financial need documentation. Know your specific county’s system before applying.

Complete Document Checklist

Admission or enrollment letter (current), national ID (yours and parents’), KCSE certificate, 2–4 passport photos, proof of county residency (voter card or chief’s letter), parent/guardian income declaration (employment letter or affidavit of unemployment), death certificate (if parent deceased), disability certificate (if applicable), and completed county bursary application form (from ward office).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I apply for a county bursary in Kenya?▼

What is the maximum county bursary amount in Kenya?▼

Can I receive county bursary and NG-CDF simultaneously?▼

What happens if I move counties during my studies?▼

Do county bursaries cover postgraduate studies?▼

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Written by Theophilus Mburu

Theophilus Mburu is a dedicated dentist and a contributing writer at Edunotes, bringing a unique blend of scientific insight and creativity to the blog. Beyond the clinic, he enjoys immersing himself in video games and exploring music, adding a fresh and relatable perspective to his content.