Ruto Government Affirms Free Education Commitment As Treasury Cs Stirs Controversy
BY BARAKA SIMBA
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing free, accessible, and quality education for all Kenyan children, declaring it a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.
Speaking during a church service in Kariobangi, Nairobi, the President highlighted continued investment in education infrastructure and staffing, noting the construction of new classrooms and the recruitment of over 70,000 teachers since 2022. Plans are underway to hire an additional 24,000 teachers by early next year.
“Free primary education is the right of every Kenyan,” said Ruto. “Access and quality cannot be compromised.”
He also referenced the recent signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with teachers, which runs until 2029, aimed at ensuring industrial harmony in the education sector.
His Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, echoed the sentiment, insisting that the government will not withdraw funding from the free education program. He emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to expanding educational access while maintaining high standards.
However, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi painted a starkly different picture during a recent session with Parliament. He stated that the government can no longer fully finance free primary and secondary education due to budgetary constraints. Mbadi suggested that parents may soon need to contribute more toward their children’s education.
Despite public outrage, Mbadi stood by his remarks, arguing that while education is a priority, the current financial muscle cannot meet the full cost of per-student capitation.
The contradiction between the President’s position and that of the Treasury CS has left many Kenyans confused about the future of free education—a pillar of national progress introduced in 2003.
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