Ruto Directs All Children To Attend School Regardless Of Fees
Education Updated: 22 January 2026 17:13 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto interacts with readings of Nyeri at Kinoru stadium
President William Ruto has directed that no child should stay at home due to lack of school fees, emphasizing that the government has allocated sufficient funds to support learning in the first term. The President made the announcement during the launch of the Nyota programme in Meru County on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Ruto reiterated that education remains a top priority for his administration, urging all children to report to school regardless of their family circumstances. “Every child must go to school because we have set funds aside to educate our children,” he said.
He stressed that the government has released adequate resources for teachers and learners to ensure effective teaching during the first term. “There is sufficient money for teachers and for our children to be taught in the first term,” the President noted.
The directive requires all students to attend school with or without school fees, and whether or not they have full uniforms. Ruto emphasized that education is vital and every Kenyan child should have the opportunity to learn.
Highlighting government efforts, the President said 100,000 teachers have been recruited in recent years to strengthen staffing in public schools and improve learning outcomes. He also mentioned that the education budget has increased to Sh700 billion this year to expand access.
Ruto added that 23,000 new classrooms have been constructed in the past three years, providing a conducive learning environment for children across the country. He also cited reforms in higher education funding, including increased Helb allocations, scholarships, and loans to ensure inclusivity.
The national budget for 2025-26 allocated Sh702.7 billion, approximately 28 percent of total government expenditure, to the education sector. This covers teacher recruitment, free primary and secondary education, capitation, examinations, TVET investments, and increased support for the Higher Education Loans Board.
For the start of the first term in 2026, the government released Sh44.1 billion in school capitation funds to public schools. This measure is intended to guarantee uninterrupted learning for all students, including those whose parents may face financial difficulties.
Education stakeholders welcomed the President’s directive, noting that the combined approach of increased funding, expanded teacher workforce, and infrastructure development is crucial in ensuring all children access education without barriers.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD