CS Ogamba Breaks Silence on Capitation Cut, Denies Scrapping Free Education
In a firm and clarifying statement, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed claims that the government has scrapped free primary and secondary school education.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, July 26, Ogamba tackled the rising fears among parents and educators following recent reports of reduced capitation funding.
“We have not abolished free primary education. We have only reduced the capitation fee,” he stated.
The CS explained that the reduction is a result of unavoidable budgetary adjustments in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, driven by increased enrolment figures and limited resources.
“Under the government policy, the amount that we are supposed to give per student in senior school is Ksh22,244, but because of budget constraints, we have not been able to meet that target,” Ogamba clarified.
“The number of students has been going up every year, but the figure has not been moving up,” he added.
He emphasized that the right to basic education remains protected under the Constitution and cannot be revoked under any circumstance.
“Free and compulsory basic education is a constitutional right of every child. The government has neither the intention nor the power to abrogate this sacrosanct right,” he assured.
To manage the current shortfall, Ogamba revealed that both the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury are actively engaging Parliament for additional funding.
“We are already lobbying the National Assembly to increase resource allocation to the education sector,” he said.
His remarks came just two days after Treasury CS John Mbadi admitted before Parliament that the government can no longer fund the full capitation of Ksh22,000 per secondary school student.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Education Committee on Thursday, July 24, Mbadi said:
“If you look at the budget of the year and divide it by the total number of students, you will realise that instead of funding Ksh22,000, we are now funding at Ksh16,000.”
He further added:
“So, we release at 50 per cent, 30 per cent, and 20 per cent for each term.”
Mbadi also hinted at a looming crisis in higher education.
“We may be forced to cut university students’ capitation and even close some campuses if the current financial strain continues,” he warned.
Despite these revelations, Ogamba reassured Kenyans that President William Ruto’s government remains fully committed to ensuring that every Kenyan child accesses quality education.
“We will do everything possible to fulfil our duty,” he affirmed.
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CS Ogamba Breaks Silence on Capitation Cut, Denies Scrapping Free Education
