The Kisumu County Assembly has advanced a new education and social protection framework that could significantly expand financial support for needy students while introducing tighter controls over how scholarship beneficiaries are identified.
The Education and Social Protection Bill 2026, now at the second reading stage, proposes replacing the county’s 2016 education fund with a broader system targeting vulnerable learners and households.
Under the proposed framework, scholarship allocations would rise from Sh2 million to Sh5.2 million per ward, with 800 students expected to benefit across Kisumu, while public participation input is incorporated into the legislation.
Kisumu Moves to Expand Scholarships and Social Protection for Vulnerable Learners
The Kisumu County Assembly Education and Social Protection Bill 2026 has moved to the second reading stage following consideration of amendments proposed by the Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services Committee.
The legislation, designated County Assembly Bill Number 2 of 2026, was presented to the assembly by committee chairperson and East Seme MCA Seth Okumu during Wednesday’s sitting.
The proposed law seeks to repeal and replace the Kisumu County Education Funds Act of 2016, establishing a broader framework for supporting education access while extending assistance to vulnerable groups through social protection measures.
Okumu said the legislation would create a more structured system for identifying, financing and supporting needy students while advancing the constitutional right to education.
The Bill is anchored on Articles 43(1)(f) and 53(1)(b) of the Constitution, which provide for access to education and protection of children’s rights.
Scholarship Allocation Set to Rise to Sh5.2 Million Per Ward
One of the most significant changes proposed under the Bill is a substantial increase in funding available for education support at ward level.
Okumu said two per cent of the county budget would be channelled towards education through scholarships under the proposed framework.
The allocation would increase from Sh2 million per ward under the existing law to Sh5.2 million per ward.
Each ward would receive ten scholarships, with the programme expected to support a total of 800 students across the county.
The increased allocation is intended to widen access to education for students from financially vulnerable households and reduce the extent to which poverty prevents learners from enrolling, remaining in school or completing their education.
The committee believes the expanded funding could also improve transition and completion rates across educational institutions within and serving Kisumu County.
Committee Tightens Identification of Needy Students
The Bill introduces measures aimed at making the selection of beneficiaries more transparent and equitable.
Under the proposed framework, the committee responsible for identifying needy students would be required to physically visit targeted beneficiaries before making selections.
The requirement is intended to reduce cases where deserving students are overlooked while ensuring that scholarship resources reach households facing genuine financial difficulties.
The committee has also amended the Bill to allow partners beyond non-governmental organisations to participate in education programmes.
The change broadens the potential pool of institutions and organisations that can support implementation of the county’s education initiatives.
Okumu said the committee had also considered concerns and recommendations raised during public participation exercises conducted across wards and sub-counties.
Public Participation Shapes Proposed Education Framework
The Bill underwent its First Reading in June before the county assembly embarked on public participation exercises between June 25 and June 30.
Residents and civil society organisations were given opportunities to submit memoranda and provide views on the proposed legislation.
The committee subsequently incorporated some of the recommendations into the amendments presented to the assembly.
Bill Expands Beyond Education Financing
Unlike the 2016 framework, which focused primarily on education financing, the proposed legislation introduces a wider social protection component targeting vulnerable residents.
The framework is intended to provide targeted educational financial assistance to vulnerable households while establishing stronger governance mechanisms for public funds allocated to education.
The proposed system also seeks to promote gender equity in access to education and improve inclusion of persons with disabilities within educational programmes.
The committee argues that a more comprehensive support system could address some of the structural barriers that prevent vulnerable learners from accessing and completing education.
Transparency Will Be Critical
The proposed increase in scholarship funding also places greater responsibility on the county government and implementing committees to ensure that public money is distributed fairly.
With Sh5.2 million allocated to every ward, beneficiary selection will become particularly important because the effectiveness of the programme will depend not only on the amount of money available but also on whether it reaches students facing genuine financial hardship.
The physical verification requirement could strengthen accountability if implemented consistently, while public participation provides an additional mechanism for residents to scrutinise the programme.
The Bill must now proceed through the remaining stages of consideration before it can become county law.
If passed, Kisumu will replace its existing education funding framework with a broader system that combines scholarship support, social protection and stronger beneficiary verification.
The proposed reforms could provide a significant boost to vulnerable learners, but their success will ultimately depend on transparent implementation, adequate funding and strict accountability in the distribution of scholarship resources.
