National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has stirred public outrage after announcing a KSh 5,344 cut in capitation for secondary schools, citing financial constraints.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education, Mbadi revealed that the per-student funding for secondary schools would drop from KSh 22,244 to KSh 16,900.
“The government does not have enough money to fully support free secondary school education,” Mbadi told MPs.
The announcement sparked concern from education stakeholders and lawmakers, with critics warning that the cuts could reverse Kenya’s hard-won gains in access to basic education.
Ruto Reaffirms Support for Free Education
Just a day later, on July 27, President William Ruto contradicted Mbadi’s position, vowing that his administration remains fully committed to free, accessible, and quality education.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Martin’s Light Industries Church in Kariobangi, Ruto reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza government’s efforts to enhance learning conditions and expand access.
“Free primary education is the right of every Kenyan. Over the last two years, we have taken several measures to ensure education is truly universal and accessible,” he said.
Ruto noted that since taking office in 2022, his administration has increased funding to the education sector, hired over 70,000 teachers, and plans to recruit 24,000 more by early next year.
“We have put a lot of money in the education sector to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.
“We also increased funding to universities and signed a CBA with teachers that runs until 2029. I assure you that the access and quality of education cannot be compromised.”
Kindiki Rejects Budget Cuts
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also pushed back against Mbadi’s remarks, warning that slashing funding for free education is unacceptable.
Speaking in Bungoma County on Saturday, July 26, Kindiki emphasised that basic education must remain a priority despite budgetary pressures.
“The idea of decimating funding for basic education cannot be tolerated,” he said, stressing that Kenya must protect the progress made under former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kindiki’s remarks sought to reassure parents and education stakeholders amid fears that the government could roll back its commitment to free secondary education.
