Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has sustained his sharp criticism of the government, warning against any move to scrap or reduce funding for free basic education in Kenya.
According to Nyoro, education is not a privilege but a constitutional right that must be safeguarded at all costs.
“Mambo ya free basic education, we are not begging from anyone. We are demanding that it must continue,” he said Friday during an event at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
He expressed disappointment at recent remarks by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi suggesting that the country could no longer sustain free basic education.
When he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Education, Mbadi asserted that the government can no longer afford to fully fund free primary and secondary education.
He revealed that the capitation grant for secondary schools has been cut from Sh22,244 to Sh16,600–Sh16,900 per student, citing fiscal constraints and mounting debt obligations.
Mbadi described the notion of sustainable free education as a “lie,” stating: “The budget cannot support the Sh22,000… we are living a lie,” suggesting that current funding levels are insufficient to fully fund education.
Nyoro, who previously chaired the National Assembly Budget Committee, called such statements unacceptable.
“I was very disappointed yesterday seeing those in the highest levels of fiscal decision-making claiming that Kenya can no longer continue to offer free basic education. We will not allow anyone to play around with this issue,” he said.
He stated that the critical role of education in driving economic growth, noting that a skilled and educated population is essential for national development.
“Economies are built by people. Education adds value to the labor force. The economy can only grow when education is accessible, of quality, and available to all,” he argued.
Nyoro further challenged the National Treasury and government agencies to stop what he termed as unnecessary renovations and wasteful spending, and instead channel funds into the education sector.
“Stop those renovations in big offices and direct that money into the education of Kenyan children. Every Kenyan family is represented in a learning institution, support them,” he urged.
