“No Parent Will Pay Fees”: Mbadi Vows Free Education Funding

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has moved to clarify controversial statements that sparked nationwide concern over the future of Kenya’s free education program, insisting his remarks were directed at Parliament rather than signaling any policy shift.

Speaking at a rally in Nyatike, Migori County on Saturday, Mbadi claimed he had been misquoted following his Thursday appearance before a Parliamentary committee where he suggested the financial burden of free education was too heavy for the state to sustain.

The comments had triggered fears that parents would soon be required to pay school fees.

“I was speaking to policymakers, to members of Parliament who approve the budget,” Mbadi explained to the crowd.

“I told them we must enhance the budget for capitation so that every child receives 22,000 shillings. What we have in the budget today is less than 22,000.”

The clarification comes as education stakeholders raise alarm over reduced government capitation per student, which has dropped from Ksh.22,000 to approximately Ksh.17,000 annually.

This reduction has heightened concerns about increased financial pressure on public schools and potential impacts on learning quality.

Mbadi acknowledged the government faces fiscal challenges but maintained that parents should not be alarmed about fee payments.

“Don’t create panic among parents. Parents are not supposed to pay fees, and we are not going to allow parents to pay fees. We will make money available to support them,” he stated emphatically.

The Treasury chief attributed the funding shortfall to systemic issues predating the current administration, referencing challenges that began during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.

He warned against allowing schools to accumulate debts similar to those plaguing universities.

“If you want me to lie to Kenyans, I am not ready to lie to Kenyans,” Mbadi said, defending his frank assessment of the funding situation while calling for enhanced parliamentary cooperation to secure adequate education financing.

President William Ruto reinforced the government’s commitment to free education during Sunday service at ACK St Martin’s Light Industries Church in Kariobangi, Nairobi.

“I assure you that the access and quality of education cannot be compromised,” Ruto declared, describing education as “the greatest gift a society can give to its young people.”

The President emphasized his administration’s dedication to making education affordable, inclusive, quality-driven, and relevant to Kenya’s development objectives, seeking to quell growing public anxiety over the program’s sustainability.