By Faith Nyabuto
A political storm is brewing over the future of free education in Kenya.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday declared that the government can no longer sustain the program due to budgetary constraints.
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The same was countered hours later by Education Principal Secretary, Prof Julius Bitok who said the programme is here to stay.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education, Mbadi announced a sharp reduction in capitation funding and proposed a new cost-sharing model that shifts part of the financial burden to parents.
“The government cannot sustain the full computation of KSh 22,000 per secondary student. We’re funding KSh 16,900 instead,” Mbadi stated, adding that ghost schools and unpaid debts have worsened the crisis.
The CS also warned of possible closure of satellite university campuses, citing chronic underfunding and a ballooning debt of over KSh 4 billion owed to public universities.
He revealed that the government is developing a new strategy to ensure financial sustainability, including staff downsizing, outsourcing services, and rationalizing campuses.
However, the announcement has triggered confusion and backlash even within government ranks.
On Friday, PS Bitok swiftly countered Mbadi’s remarks, assuring the public that free primary and secondary education will continue.
Speaking in Kilifi County, Prof. Bitok said the Ministry of Education will lobby Parliament for increased budget allocations to protect capitation and exam funding.
“We have no plans to scrap free education,” Bitok affirmed, noting that the ministry is committed to ensuring access and equity for all learners.
The contradiction between the Treasury and Education Ministry has left parents, educators, and lawmakers demanding clarity.
Legislators have called for a full audit of school allocations, citing concerns over ghost institutions and misallocated funds.
As the debate intensifies, the fate of millions of learners hangs in the balance.
With capitation cuts already affecting school operations and university funding under review, stakeholders are urging the government to reconcile its messaging and prioritize education in its fiscal planning.
Started by former president Mwai Kibaki, free primary education became a game changer in the country and region.
Riding on the success of the initial programme, the government started to offer free day secondary education in day schools.
It also partially cushions parents whose children are in boarding schools.
