Kenya’s Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced a sharp reduction in capitation for secondary school students, setting the new figure at Sh16,900 down from the previous Sh22,244.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Mbadi painted a grim picture of the country’s ability to sustain free basic education, warning that the government is struggling to meet the financial demands of both primary and secondary schools.
He further signaled impending austerity measures in higher education, including possible staff layoffs, closure of satellite campuses, and outsourcing of non-core functions in public institutions.
According to Mbadi, the current fiscal situation does not allow for adequate support of government-sponsored students, a reality that may drastically affect learning outcomes and access to education for thousands.
This comes amid growing pressure on the state to prioritize education amid economic strain, raising questions about the future of Kenya’s commitment to free and equitable learning.
