Ngando, Hussein Leli2026-02-162026-02-162025-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32458A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, October 2025. Supervisor 1. Wilson MunaEducation remains a cornerstone for socio-economic development, and government intervention in its provision continues to be vital, particularly in developing countries. In Kenya, both the national and county governments have implemented various interventions such as bursaries and scholarships to promote equitable access to education. Kwale County Government allocates approximately Ksh. 400 million annually to bursaries and scholarships aimed at ensuring that every school-age child has an equal opportunity to pursue education. Despite this investment, the bursary fund is equally distributed among the 20 wards, regardless of population differences. This has led to inequitable access, where students from densely populated wards often receive inadequate allocations or no support at all. Previous studies have identified such inequitable allocation, along with issues like late disbursement and insufficient funding, as major barriers to effective bursary programs. However, most existing research has focused on CDF bursaries, with limited attention given to county-level bursary administration. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the extent to which the administration of the Kwale County bursary enhances retention in secondary schools, focusing on Matuga Sub-County. Specifically, it analyses the distribution of bursary funds, assess the timing of fund disbursement, evaluate the adequacy of bursary funds and examine the allocation criteria and their overall impact on retention of students in schools. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 5,988 form three and four students, 29 principals, 5 ward administrators, and the County Bursary Committee (CBC) chairperson. A sample of 357 students was selected using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, with stratified sampling for principals and total sampling for the ward administrators, and the CBC chairperson. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews, with a pre-test conducted in Dr. Babla Diani and Bongwe Secondary Schools to ensure validity and reliability. Data collected was analysed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The outcomes unmasked clear administrative concerns including equity, delayed disbursement, insufficient fund as well as reluctance in adhering to the allocation criteria. The recommends equitable allocation of funds, synchronization of the program with the school calendar, increased funding and strict adherence to award criteria to better retain students in secondary schools. The findings obtained are expected to guide policy adjustments to improve educational equity, access and retention in Kwale County and similar regions.enThesis