Members of the Committee on Education have raised concern over inadequate funding for the school feeding programme warning that vulnerable learners are at risk.
The concerns emerged during a meeting with Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok over the Supplementary Estimates I for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Hon. Nabii Nabwera warned that the shortfall could have far-reaching consequences on access to education, particularly in vulnerable counties.
“The impact of this shortage of funds is severe. We are talking about children who depend on this programme to stay in school. Without adequate funding, we risk increased absenteeism and dropout rates,” Hon. Nabwera said.
The State Department told the Committee that while it requires Ksh12.7 billion to fully fund the school feeding programme, only Ksh4.7 billion has been provided, leaving a significant financing gap. The programme currently targets 2.6 million learners, largely in arid and semi-arid areas.
Committee Members questioned the criteria used to determine beneficiaries, with some pushing for expansion beyond traditionally designated regions.
Hon. Peter Orero called for the inclusion of learners in urban informal settlements, arguing that poverty in cities mirrors the deprivation seen in arid regions.
“Children in informal settlements are equally vulnerable. Limiting the programme to arid areas ignores a growing population of food-insecure learners in urban centres,” he said.
On school infrastructure, lawmakers’ decried inequitable allocation of funds despite widespread need across the country.
Under the supplementary budget, Ksh361 million has been allocated for primary school infrastructure and Ksh510 million for junior secondary schools.
Hon. Rebecca Tonkei and Hon. Mary Emaase raised concern over the state of learning facilities in rural areas, where some schools continue to operate in dilapidated structures.
“There must be equity in the distribution of infrastructure funds. We still have schools with mud walls, leaking roofs and unsafe classrooms. These learners deserve dignity,” said Hon. Tonkei.
Hon. Emaase echoed the sentiments, urging the Ministry to prioritise basic improvements in underserved regions before committing large sums to select institutions
On his part. Hon. Dick Maungu warned that the shortage of funds continues to undermine learning conditions, noting that some schools remain in temporary structures or lack basic facilities.
“We have learners studying under trees and in unsafe classrooms. The allocations we are seeing cannot meaningfully address these challenges,” he said.
The Committee demanded transparency in the distribution of funds, insisting that the Ministry provide a detailed list of beneficiary schools to ensure fairness and accountability.
Hon. Rebecca Tonkei and Hon. Mary Emaase emphasized the need to prioritise rural schools, many of which continue to operate in mud-walled classrooms with leaking roofs.
“There must be deliberate equity. Rural schools cannot continue to lag behind while resources are concentrated elsewhere,” Hon. Clive Gesiro noted.
Basic Education PS, Prof. Bitok defended the allocations, stating that infrastructure investments are guided by ongoing programmes and existing commitments, including donor-supported initiatives such as the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning Programme (KPEEL).
Officials also cited competing budgetary pressures, including pending bills amounting to Ksh7.7 billion, as a constraint on expanding allocations.
Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly directed the Ministry to submit a comprehensive breakdown of schools earmarked for infrastructure funding, as well as detailed data on beneficiaries of the feeding programme.
By Anthony Solly
