The Kenya Kwanza administration has once again affirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector, allocating a record Sh702.7 billion to education in the 2025/26 national budget. This announcement was made by Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mbadi during the budget reading on June 12, 2025.
The allocation represents 28 per cent of the Sh4.29 trillion total national expenditure, underscoring the government’s continued prioritisation of education. It marks a significant increase of Sh44.5 billion from the Sh656.6 billion allocated in the 2024/25 financial year, which comprised 27.6 per cent of the then Sh3.92 trillion budget. Even earlier, in the 2023/24 fiscal year, education had received Sh628.6 billion, accounting for 27.4 per cent of the budget.
The steady rise in funding highlights the government’s sustained investment in learning institutions and related programs, a move expected to bolster efforts in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), expanding infrastructure, recruiting more teachers, and enhancing access to quality education across all levels.
Significantly, the boost in education financing is also in line with the country’s long-term development goals, including Kenya Vision 2030, which identifies education and training as critical enablers of economic transformation. It also aligns with global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 4 on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
Stakeholders have lauded the increase, calling for efficient and transparent use of the funds to address persistent challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, outdated learning materials, and inadequate support for learners with special needs.
This year’s budget signals continued support for higher education, technical and vocational training (TVET), and basic education reforms. Notably, the enhanced funding is also expected to support ongoing school feeding programs, digital literacy initiatives, and the construction of junior secondary classrooms.
As the education sector absorbs this increased budget, focus now shifts to implementation, with citizens and oversight bodies keen to see tangible outcomes that will improve learning environments and uplift educational standards across the country.
