Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has called on Members of Parliament and stakeholders to engage constructively in public discourse around education financing and school capitation.
In a public engagement on Monday, CS Ogamba clarified that the Ministry of Education has not proposed or implemented any reduction in capitation funding for learners, contrary to current claims.
“Nobody has ever said that we are reducing the money from KSh.22,000 to KSh.16,000. I don’t know where that came from,” said Ogamba. “Even my colleague never said anything close to that.”
The CS emphasized the importance of responsible messaging, noting that misinformation can cause unnecessary public anxiety.
He encouraged leaders to support the education sector by offering solutions and identifying new funding avenues rather than portraying the system as broken.
“We are all in this together. What happens in budget-making is a matter of looking at available funds and allocating them across ministries. The education sector deserves and will continue to receive the support it requires,” he said.
Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for learners across educational levels, assuring the public that no student would be disadvantaged due to funding concerns.
He also highlighted the collaborative role of MPs, county governments, and international development partners in strengthening education infrastructure and services across the country.
“We are producing the best human resource capital in Africa. Our education system is strong, and we are not going to fail. The children will be in class, transition will happen, and any challenges will be addressed, whether through supplementary budgets or other measures.”
CS Ogamba called on all stakeholders to remain focused on solutions and support the Ministry in its mission to deliver quality education for all Kenyan children.
Kajiado South Member of Parliament, Parashina Samuel also criticized fellow legislators for what she termed as politicizing the issue of school capitation and misrepresenting government efforts to fund education in Kenya.
“This is not the time to mislead the public,” said Parashina. “We must stop using capitation to score political points. Our children’s education is at stake, and we must protect it by telling the truth and supporting the government’s efforts.”
