The recent announcement by Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi that the government will slash secondary school capitation from KSh 22,244 to KSh 16,900 per student—and his declaration that “the era of free education, as we knew it, is over”—is deeply alarming.
As someone who has spent years in Kenya’s education system—as Chairperson of the Board of Management (BOM), a school board member, school advisory board member, and parent representative—I know the critical role government funding plays in keeping children in school.
But the shock doesn’t end there. A politician recently asked, “What do you get from free education? Do you get quality students?”
These remarks are not just offensive—they are dangerous. They undermine decades of progress, insult hardworking families and teachers, and ignore the real challenges on the ground.
A Constitutional Violation
The Constitution of Kenya is unambiguous:
Article 53(1)(b): “Every child has the right to free and compulsory basic education.”
Article 43(1)(f): “Every person has the right to education.”
Dismantling free education is not just morally wrong—it is unconstitutional. Free education is not charity. It is a constitutional right.
Free Education Changed Lives
Since the Kibaki-era rollout of Free Primary Education in 2003 and Free Day Secondary Education in 2008, Kenya has seen more children in classrooms, improved literacy, and reduced disparities.
Children from humble backgrounds have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and innovators—not because they paid more, but because the system opened the door.
President Uhuru Kenyatta built on this by rolling out the 100% transition policy, expanding school infrastructure, supporting teacher recruitment and ICT in learning, and introducing the CBC (now CBE) to modernize education delivery
This shows that Kenya’s education progress has been bipartisan and cumulative.
Today’s leaders must not undermine this national effort with careless budget cuts or disparaging remarks.
To claim that free education equals poor quality is a gross misrepresentation. It wasn’t the money—it was the opportunity.
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Parents Deserve Support, Not Blame
Contrary to claims that free education makes parents less responsible, most are already overburdened—paying for uniforms, meals, transport, remedial fees, and more.
Dismissing their sacrifices is an insult to the very people who hold the education system together.
They work multiple jobs, sell their livestock, or forego basic needs just to send their children to school.
These are not irresponsible people. They are heroes and heroines.
Crisis Ahead with Grade 10 CBE Intake
In 2026, the Competency-Based Education (CBE) enters its next critical stage with the transition to Grade 10 (Senior Secondary).
This shift will place enormous pressure on school infrastructure, teaching staff, and resources.
Instead of slashing funding, the government should be increasing capitation, preparing classrooms, and training teachers.
Reducing capitation now will cripple the CBE rollout and push thousands of students—especially in marginalized areas—out of school.
Also Read: Govt Speaks on Ruto Scrapping Free Education
What Must Be Done
The government must:
- Reverse the planned cuts in education capitation.
- Reaffirm its legal and moral duty to provide free basic education.
- Distance itself from leaders who disparage free education and its beneficiaries.
We cannot afford to gamble with the future of our children. Education is not a luxury. It is our national foundation.
If budgetary constraints exist, let the government prioritize better fiscal management, fight wastage and corruption, and protect what matters most—our children’s education.
The future of this nation depends not on austerity, but on investment—in classrooms, in learners, and in hope.
The Writer, Faith Muthoni, is a Communication Consultant and Education Advocate
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