Mbadi Sets the Record Straight on Free Education After Budget Remarks

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has moved to clarify recent statements that sparked concern among parents regarding the future of free education in Kenya. He insists that his earlier remarks were misinterpreted and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that parents do not bear the burden of paying school fees.

Mbadi’s Clarification to Parliament

Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee on Thursday, July 24, Mbadi explained that his comments were aimed at lawmakers and not the public. He emphasized that the Treasury is currently only able to cover Ksh16,600 out of the full Ksh22,000 capitation per secondary school student.

“If you look at the total budget and divide it among students, we are funding about Ksh16,000 per child. It’s not enough,” Mbadi said. “We disburse 50%, 30%, and then 20%, but I was asking Parliament to increase the allocation to match the full capitation.”

No School Fees for Parents, Mbadi Assures

To quell public panic, the CS was quick to stress that the government will not shift the cost to parents. “Parents are not supposed to pay fees, and we are not going to allow that to happen,” he said firmly. “The government will make money available to support every learner in school.”

Push for Increased Education Budget

Mbadi urged Parliament to allocate more resources in the upcoming 2025/26 national budget to meet the full capitation target. He noted that underfunding could lead to the same debt accumulation issues faced by universities.

“I was simply highlighting what is currently in the budget. We must work with Parliament to ensure enough funding, or else schools will struggle,” he added.

Background on the Free Education Debate

Concerns over the sustainability of Kenya’s free secondary education program were sparked earlier in the week when Mbadi appeared to suggest that the government was no longer in a position to fund the initiative fully. However, his clarification appears to reaffirm the state’s commitment to the policy.

Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, State Department for Basic Education. PHOTO/Julius Bitok

Looking Ahead

As discussions on the 2025/26 budget continue, the focus will be on whether MPs heed Mbadi’s call for increased funding. Meanwhile, Kenyan parents can breathe easy for now—no school fees will be introduced.

For more updates on education news in Kenya, follow Kenyanews.co.ke.