At Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! we are alarmed by the growing public narrative being pushed by government officials that seeks to shift responsibility for the state of Kenya’s education system from the government to struggling parents. Recent statements by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi that the country “is broke” and cannot sustain free education, as well as Baringo County Women Representative Jematiah Sergon’s remarks questioning the value of free education and bursaries, are not only misleading, they are dangerous.
The Constitution of Kenya is unequivocal. Article 43 (1) (f) says that every person has the right to education. Further, Article 53(1) (b) declares that every child has the right to free and compulsory basic education. This is not a token of generosity or a subject for political debate. It is a right and one that cannot be suspended simply because the government has failed to manage its finances prudently.
The attempt to rewrite the core principles of our Constitution and conveniently ignore the true problem: chronic underfunding, mismanagement, and a failure of accountability in public education. The government should stop deflecting blame. The education budget has seen deep cuts this financial year. Free Primary Education was reduced to KES 7 billion, Junior Secondary capped at KES 28.9 billion, and Free Day Secondary slashed to KES 51.9 billion. Capitation disbursements remain delayed, and arrears owed to schools exceed KES 64 billion. Instead of trimming lifelines, the state should be reforming procurement systems, recovering lost public funds, and prioritizing basic education in budget allocations.
Instead of criminalising learners and low-income parents, the national conversation must turn its focus to the real issues. The Auditor General’s recent report exposed a ghost school in Bomet County receiving fifty million shillings in capitation funds despite not existing at all. This shocking revelation confirms what communities have long known: that Kenya’s education crisis is not about affordability, but about transparency, integrity, and accountability.
It is unacceptable that while learners in public schools sit in crowded classes or under trees in some areas, share torn textbooks, and face teacher shortages, non-existent institutions are receiving public money with no consequences. Yet, rather than address these systemic failures, public officials are now implying that free education equals poor quality, or that parents have become irresponsible because bursaries exist. This is scapegoating not leadership.
Kenyan parents, especially those living in informal settlements and arid regions, understand the value of education. Many go without meals to ensure their children attend school. It is an insult to their sacrifice to suggest that state support diminishes their commitment. Quality education does not depend on whether it is free. It depends on whether it is properly resourced, equitably managed, and protected from theft.
We demand:
- A public apology from CS John Mbadi for his irresponsible utterances and Ms Jematiah Sergon for her remarks undermining the dignity of poor parents and the value of free education.
- Restoration and protection of the education budget to reflect the constitutional right to free and quality basic education.
- Institutional reforms within the Ministry of Education and Treasury to plug leakages and ensure future integrity in public education financing.
- Thorough investigations and prosecutions of all individuals involved in misappropriating education-related resources.
Signed,
Dr. Kawive, Wambua
Chief Executive Officer
Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!