Education Ministry Faces Sh111 Billion Funding Deficit Despite Historic Budget Demand
Education Updated: 27 February 2026 19:39 EAT
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok appeared before the PAC at Bunge Towers to respond to matters concerning the use funds allocated to the State Department for Basic Education.
The Ministry of Education continues to grapple with a Sh111 billion funding gap for the 2026/27 financial year, even after submitting a historic budget demand of Sh700 billion, officials told the Senate.
Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, informed lawmakers that the funding shortfall threatens the full implementation of key programmes, including Free Primary Education (FPE) and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE).
The ministry’s recurrent allocation of Sh118.68 billion falls significantly short of the Sh216.5 billion required, while the development budget stands at Sh16 billion, leaving a gap of Sh13.4 billion for planned capital projects and school infrastructure.
Bitok highlighted that the underfunding directly affects millions of learners nationwide, limiting resources for classroom materials, teacher salaries, and essential support services.
The School Feeding Programme, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, faces a deficit of Sh849.48 million, potentially disrupting meals for 2.8 million learners who depend on the initiative.
The Low-Cost Boarding School Programme is also under strain, with insufficient funds to sustain boarding facilities and provide daily meals, especially in underserved counties.
Bitok called on the Senate to advocate for a National County Nutritional Framework to guarantee that learners in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) receive at least one fortified meal daily, regardless of location.
The PS emphasized that adequate nutrition is critical for young learners’ cognitive development, school attendance, and overall educational outcomes.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the persistent shortfalls, noting that underfunding undermines Kenya’s commitment to quality and equitable education as outlined in national development plans.
Bitok urged the Senate to engage with county governments to ensure that the proposed nutritional framework is implemented effectively across all 47 counties.
He concluded by stressing that bridging the funding gap and supporting nutritional programmes is essential for safeguarding Kenya’s education agenda and ensuring that all learners have access to the resources they need to succeed.
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FELIX MAKONA
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