Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has urged the National Government to prioritize education financing by releasing the full capitation funds allocated to public schools.
The MP has warned that continued delays and reduced disbursements threaten the future of free education in the country.
Speaking while issuing bursaries to boarding school, university and college students in Kiharu Constituency, Nyoro expressed concern over what he termed as persistent underfunding of schools, saying learning institutions across the country are struggling to operate due to inadequate government support.
The legislator claimed that although the national government publicly states that each learner is entitled to Sh22,000 in annual capitation, schools are receiving only about half of that amount.
He observed that discussions with school principals from different parts of the country have revealed that the funding shortfall has persisted since last year, forcing many institutions to accumulate debts and struggle to provide essential services.
Nyoro challenged the government to be candid with Kenyans if it is no longer able to sustain the free education programme, instead of maintaining figures that do not reflect the actual funds reaching schools.
The MP emphasized that the responsibility of those entrusted to manage education in the country is to ensure schools receive the resources they need rather than offering explanations for the delays.
According to Ndindi, prompt disbursement of capitation would ease the financial burden facing schools and enable learners to study in a conducive environment.
The Kiharu lawmaker cautioned that neglecting education financing could have long-term consequences on the country’s development, noting that investment in learners is more valuable than any physical infrastructure if Kenya is to secure its future.
Nyoro further called on the government to make education funding a top priority, arguing that adequate and timely capitation is essential to safeguard the quality of learning and protect parents from additional financial burdens caused by funding gaps.
He underscored sufficient funding of the education sector saying giving children quality education is the biggest investment the country can achieve.
By Bernard Munyao
