Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has called on Members of Parliament and key stakeholders to adopt a more responsible and solution-driven approach in ongoing discussions about school capitation and education financing in Kenya.
Addressing the public during a press engagement on Monday, CS Ogamba firmly refuted circulating claims that the Ministry of Education had proposed a reduction in per-student capitation from KSh 22,000 to KSh 16,000.
“Nobody has ever said that we are reducing the money from KSh.22,000 to KSh.16,000,” Ogamba stated. “I don’t know where that came from. Even my colleague never said anything close to that.”
The CS emphasized that such misinformation risks inciting public anxiety and undermines confidence in the country’s education system. He urged leaders, particularly legislators, to avoid politicizing education matters and instead participate constructively in national conversations about funding and policy.
“We are all in this together. What happens in budget-making is a matter of looking at available funds and allocating them across ministries,” Ogamba explained. “The education sector deserves and will continue to receive the support it requires.”
Ogamba reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no learner is left behind, promising that all students would continue to enjoy uninterrupted learning and smooth transitions across education levels. He assured the public that the Ministry is prepared to address any emerging financial gaps through mechanisms such as supplementary budgets and support from development partners.
“Our education system is producing some of the best human resource capital in Africa,” he said. “We are not going to fail. The children will be in class, transition will happen, and any challenges will be addressed accordingly.”
The CS also acknowledged the role of Members of Parliament, county governments, and international development agencies in reinforcing educational infrastructure and service delivery across the country.
Kajiado South Member of Parliament Parashina Samuel echoed Ogamba’s sentiments, warning against politicizing school capitation figures for personal or political gain.
“This is not the time to mislead the public,” Parashina said. “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.”
The debate around capitation has intensified in recent weeks, with various reports suggesting budget cuts were underway, prompting widespread concern among parents, teachers, and education advocates. However, Monday’s statements from both the Education CS and lawmakers like Parashina Samuel appear aimed at calming tensions and restoring public confidence.
CS Ogamba concluded by encouraging all education stakeholders to work together towards practical solutions that enhance learning outcomes, reaffirming the Ministry’s focus on delivering inclusive, accessible, and high-quality education to every Kenyan child.
Written By Rodney Mbua
