With the release of the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) results, thousands of learners are now preparing to join Senior Secondary School in 2026. While many families celebrate good performance, the next challenge is often financial. School fees, uniforms, transport and learning materials can be overwhelming—especially for vulnerable households.
The good news is that County Governments and NG-CDF (National Government Constituency Development Fund) offer bursaries every year to support bright and needy learners. These bursaries are open to KJSEA graduates, and understanding how to apply early can significantly increase your chances of securing financial assistance.
This article guides KJSEA learners and parents on how County Government bursaries work, how NG-CDF bursaries operate, and the correct steps to apply for both.
1. County Government Bursaries
County Governments across Kenya allocate part of their annual budgets to support education. These bursaries target needy students in public secondary schools, TVETs and sometimes universities. For KJSEA learners transitioning to senior secondary, County bursaries are among the easiest and most accessible sources of financial support.
a) Eligibility
While each county sets its own criteria, most bursary programmes consider:
- Learners from low-income households
- Orphans or students from single-parent families
- Students living with disabilities
- Those from informal settlements or marginalised areas
- Students who performed well but risk missing school due to financial hardship
b) Where to Get Application Forms
You can find County Bursary forms at:
- The Ward Administrator’s Office
- The Sub-County Education Office
- Your area MCA’s office
- County Government website (some have downloadable forms)
c) How to Apply
To successfully apply for a County Government Bursary, follow these steps:
- Collect the bursary form from the nearest county office or download it online if available.
- Fill in your personal details accurately – name, school, index number, parent/guardian information.
- Write a short statement explaining your financial need (honesty is important).
- Attach all required documents, including:
- KJSEA result slip
- Admission letter to senior secondary school
- Copy of birth certificate
- Parent/guardian ID
- Death certificate (if orphaned)
- Disability card (if applicable)
- Get the form stamped by the chief, assistant chief, or religious leader to verify your background.
- Submit before the deadline to the ward or sub-county office.
d) Tips for Success
- Apply as early as forms are released (usually from December to February).
- Ensure all documents are attached—missing documents lead to disqualification.
- Give accurate and honest information about your household situation.
- Follow up politely at the Ward Office after a few weeks to check on progress.
2. NG-CDF Bursaries
NG-CDF bursaries are administered at the constituency level through the local CDF office. They are meant to support secondary school, college and university students from vulnerable backgrounds.
a) Eligibility
Most CDF committees prioritise:
- Students from poor households
- Orphans and vulnerable children
- Learners from families affected by illness, unemployment or displacement
- Students with disabilities
- Top-performing learners facing financial difficulties
b) Where to Apply
Visit your constituency NG-CDF office, usually located near the Deputy County Commissioner’s office or Sub-County HQ. Some constituencies issue forms through chiefs or schools.
c) How to Apply
- Collect the official NG-CDF bursary form.
- Fill in all sections carefully.
- Attach supporting documents:
- KJSEA results
- Senior secondary admission letter
- Parent/guardian ID
- Birth certificate
- Any evidence supporting financial need
- Ensure the chief or village elder signs and stamps the form.
- Submit the form to the NG-CDF office and retain a copy for follow-up.
d) Important Notes
- NG-CDF bursaries are issued in cycles—normally twice a year.
- Applicants must live within the constituency issuing the bursary.
- Funds differ from constituency to constituency based on budget.
Final Advice for KJSEA Learners and Parents
Start early. Many families wait until schools open in January, yet bursary offices are busiest during this period. Apply to both County and NG-CDF bursaries—you are allowed to benefit from more than one as long as you provide true information.
Finally, remember to keep copies of all forms submitted and follow up politely. With the right preparation, every KJSEA learner should have a fair chance to join senior secondary without financial stress.
10 Smart Tips for Successfully Applying for County Government & NG-CDF Bursaries
1. Apply Immediately When Forms Are Released
Most bursaries operate on first-come, first-considered, and offices receive thousands of applications. Start checking from December to February, and submit early before committees close vetting.
2. Attach All Required Documents
Missing documents are the number one reason applications get rejected. Always include:
- KJSEA result slip
- Admission letter
- Parent/guardian ID
- Birth certificate
- Death/disability documents (if applicable)
- Chief/assistant chief’s confirmation letter
Use a checklist to avoid omissions.
3. Ensure Forms Are Filled Neatly and Clearly
Poor handwriting, scratched-out details, or incomplete sections make the committee assume the applicant is careless. Use capital letters, a blue or black pen, and ensure every section is filled.
4. Be Honest About Your Financial Situation
Do not exaggerate. Committees often verify household details through the chief or community members. Honest but clear explanations of need increase your credibility.
5. Get All Required Signatures and Stamps
Unsigned forms are rejected automatically. Ensure signatures and stamps from:
- Chief / Assistant Chief
- Religious leader (if required)
- Headteacher or principal
Verify all pages before submission.
6. Use a Transparent Folder to Organize Your Documents
A neat presentation shows seriousness and helps officers quickly identify your paperwork. Label the folder with the learner’s full name, school, and contact.
7. Apply for Both County and NG-CDF Bursaries
You are allowed to apply to both as long as you declare them correctly. This increases your chances of getting enough support to cover school fees and personal needs.
8. Follow Up Politely
Two to four weeks after submission, visit the bursary office to confirm if your application was received and verified. Following up shows commitment and helps you track any missing documents.
9. Stay Updated Through Local Leaders
Your MCA, chief, village elder, MP’s office, and your school administration often know the exact dates when committees meet and when disbursement lists are released. Stay in contact for updates.
10. Keep Copies of Everything You Submit
Photocopy or take photos of:
- Filled bursary forms
- Documents attached
- Submission receipts or acknowledgements
These copies will help in case forms get misplaced or you need to reapply in the mid-year cycle.
