Kiharu MP, Ndindi Nyoro, has raised concerns over the pace at which the national government is borrowing, warning that the trend could overburden future generations if funds are not invested in projects that stimulate sustainable development.
Speaking in Murang’a over the weekend, Nyoro said the Kenya Kwanza administration has accumulated more than Sh3.5 trillion in debt over the past three years alone. He broke down the borrowing figures to highlight their magnitude, saying it translates to over Sh100 billion every month, Sh3.5 billion every day, and about Sh145 million every hour.
“These numbers should compel policymakers to rethink how public finances are managed,” Nyoro told residents.
He compared the current debt accumulation to that of previous administrations, particularly former President Mwai Kibaki’s government, which he said borrowed Sh1.2 trillion during his entire tenure.
“President Kibaki’s borrowing was targeted at areas where Kenyans could see tangible results, roads, energy projects, and expansion of education facilities. That is the direction we should be taking,” the legislator explained.
Nyoro emphasized that borrowing in itself is not inherently wrong, provided loans are invested in valuable and strategic projects with long-term positive economic returns. However, he cautioned against using debt primarily to cover recurrent expenses such as salaries and operational costs, saying that would leave little for posterity to benefit from.
Turning to education, the MP expressed concern over the funding crisis in schools, noting that many institutions are struggling due to delays in the release of government capitation funds.
“Schools are really struggling to sustain students because of limited finances. The capitation money should be sent to schools without delay, ideally by tomorrow, so that learning continues smoothly and principals are not forced to send children home,” he urged.
His remarks come at a time when education stakeholders across the country have voiced similar concerns, warning that prolonged delays in funding could disrupt learning and put unnecessary pressure on parents.
While acknowledging that the current administration has invested heavily in infrastructure and social programmes, Nyoro stressed the need for prioritization.
“What Kenyans want to see are results on the ground, roads, hospitals, schools, and opportunities for young people. That is the only way to justify borrowing at the levels we are currently witnessing,” he concluded.
By Bernard Munyao
