Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility in the ongoing debate over school capitation funding. Speaking during a public engagement on Monday, CS Ogamba firmly dispelled claims of a proposed reduction in capitation funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Education has not slashed the current allocation of KSh.22,000 per student to KSh.16,000.
“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,” stated Ogamba. “Even my colleague never said anything close to that.”
The CS emphasized the importance of responsible public communication, warning that misinformation could fuel unnecessary anxiety among parents, teachers, and students. He called on leaders to refrain from politicizing education matters and instead focus on identifying sustainable solutions and alternative funding options to support the sector.
“We are all in this together,” he said. “The education sector deserves and will continue to receive the support it requires. Budget-making is about balancing priorities across ministries, and education remains a top priority.”
Ogamba also reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring seamless learner transitions across all levels of education, stressing that no student would be left behind due to funding concerns. He underscored the role of collaboration between national leaders, county governments, and development partners in improving education infrastructure and services countrywide.
“We are producing the best human resource capital in Africa. Our education system is strong, and we are not going to fail,” he said.
Supporting the CS’s sentiments, Kajiado South MP Parashina Samuel criticized fellow legislators for spreading misinformation and politicizing school capitation for personal gain.
“This is not the time to mislead the public,” she said. “Our children’s education is at stake, and we must protect it by telling the truth and supporting the government’s efforts.”
Both leaders called for unity and a solutions-driven approach to bolster Kenya’s education system and safeguard the future of learners.
