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In a time of heightened concern over the state of Kenya’s education system, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has made it abundantly clear: the government is fully committed to ensuring that no Kenyan child is denied access to education due to lack of fees. His recent statements were not just a policy declaration — they were a firm reassurance to millions of parents who feared a shift in the nation’s long-standing commitment to free basic education. ### A Clarification, Not a Retraction While addressing the nation in a public rally held in Nyatike, Migori County, Mbadi sought to clarify earlier remarks that had sparked confusion and panic among parents. His tone was direct and honest: > “The government will make sure that we have enough money to support our children in school, so do not create panic to parents. They are not supposed to pay fees, and we will not allow parents to pay fees. We will make money available to support them; that is what I said.” Mbadi emphasized that his initial comments were taken out of context. He had not intended to suggest that parents should start paying for school fees. Rather, he was addressing lawmakers in Parliament, urging them to increase the education budget so that the government could fully meet its capitation obligations. ### The Real Issue: Budget Shortfalls Kenya’s education policy provides for free tuition at the primary and secondary levels, with specific capitation rates for each student. For secondary education, the government is expected to allocate KSh 22,000 per student annually. However, Mbadi acknowledged that the actual funds disbursed per student fall short — averaging about KSh 17,000. This shortfall has been a persistent issue carried over from previous administrations, and it puts pressure on schools, many of which are forced to request support from parents in indirect ways. Mbadi did not shy away from this truth but made it clear that the solution lies in **increased budget allocations**, not parent contributions. ### Standing Firm: No Fees from Parents In one of the most striking moments of his speech, Mbadi reiterated that the government will not allow schools to shift the financial burden to families. He called for calm and dismissed misinformation that had circulated after his earlier statements. He also made it clear that honesty and transparency would remain at the heart of his leadership: > “If you want me to lie to Kenyans, I am not ready to lie to Kenyans.” This blunt yet reassuring statement underscored his dedication to finding lasting solutions rather than offering false comfort. He encouraged lawmakers and education stakeholders to collaborate and address the funding gaps with urgency. ### A Proposal for Long-Term Stability To bridge the funding gap in the short term, Mbadi proposed reallocating a portion of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) — specifically the bursary segment — to supplement the capitation funds. According to him, this move could inject billions into the education system and help cover the shortfall per student. While the proposal met resistance from some members of Parliament, Mbadi stood firm on the need to prioritize learners above all else. ### A Message of Hope and Assurance Mbadi’s remarks have gone a long way in restoring confidence among parents and guardians across the country. His message is clear: the Kenyan government will continue to champion access to free, quality, and inclusive education. No child should be turned away from school due to unpaid fees. No parent should feel pressured to shoulder a burden the government has vowed to carry. In moments of confusion, leadership is not just about giving answers — it is about restoring trust. With his bold and honest statements, John Mbadi has reminded the nation that leadership is about standing with the people, especially when it matters most.Follow us

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