Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has gone full throttle on President William Ruto’s ambition to transform Kenya into a Singapore‑style economy, saying the goal is out of touch as ordinary families struggle to meet basic school costs.
In a statement shared on her X account on Friday, Wamae questioned how the government can talk about economic transformation when many parents cannot afford essentials such as school uniforms and fees, leaving learners stranded at home.
“How can we be going to Singapore yet parents are unable to buy school uniforms and other requirements? Something that has never happened in previous administrations,” Wamae stated.
School nightmare
Her remarks came a day after President Ruto issued directives aimed at easing barriers to education for families facing financial strain.
On Thursday in Meru County, during the NYOTA Capital disbursement exercise at Kinoru Stadium, Ruto acknowledged that many children have not reported to senior secondary school on time because parents lack funds for fees, uniforms, transport, and other necessities tied to the transition from Junior Secondary School (JSS).
The President directed chiefs, education officials, and other stakeholders to ensure no child is left at home due to a lack of school fees or uniforms. He said the government has released Ksh44 billion to support learning in the first term and urged schools to allow learners to attend classes even without full uniforms or fees, at least temporarily. Parents were also told that JSS uniforms could be used in senior school while awaiting funds for new ones.
The transition from JSS to senior secondary school, which officially began on Monday, January 12, 2026, has been marred by delays as many learners failed to report on time because of the financial challenges their families are facing.
Parents and school administrators have repeatedly raised concerns about the rising cost of living, which has worsened the burden of education costs. In addition to uniforms and fees, costs for boarding, transport, and learning materials have made the transition especially difficult. Some schools have also reported delays in receiving government capitation funding, forcing institutions to depend on parents to cover basic expenses such as meals and materials.
‘Singapore Economy’
Wamae’s attack comes amid a broader national debate over President Ruto’s long-term economic vision, described by supporters as a plan to transform Kenya from a developing to a first‑world economy, drawing inspiration from countries like Singapore.
Ruto has said this ambition is part of a broader development blueprint designed to shift Kenya into a modern, higher‑income status within a generation. The plan involves significant investments in infrastructure, innovation, industrialisation, and economic reforms aimed at boosting exports, creating jobs, and strengthening key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transport.
