Naivasha Member of Parliament (MP) Jayne Kihara has criticized the government for diverting education funds to economic empowerment programs while schools struggle with delayed capitation payments.
Schools Struggle Without Funding
Speaking on Friday, September 5, 2025, at a graduation ceremony in Naivasha, Kihara said learners had already resumed classes, yet schools continued to wait for critical funds. “Capitation is not coming; it is delayed. The children have opened schools, and yet we can see a lot of squandering of money and resources in things they are calling empowerment,” she said.
Education Should Come First
The MP argued that government resources should prioritize schools over cash handouts to adults. “Even if it is Ksh10,000, it will not get anywhere; it will just get used. Ideally, it is to support this education system that was started by the late Mwai Kibaki. It is unfortunate that instead of improving it, we are finishing it,” she said.
She warned that delayed capitation payments could cripple public schools, which rely heavily on government support. Her comments reflect growing concerns from school heads and teachers’ unions about the impact of late funding on the quality of education.
Empowerment Programs Under Scrutiny
Kihara also criticized the government’s focus on economic empowerment programs, calling them politically motivated. The Kenya Kwanza government, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has been holding empowerment forums for women across the country, including events at State House.
Businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi questioned the legality of such initiatives if not included in the national budget. “The law is very clear; you can only spend money that has been budgeted for. So if empowerment is not a line item in the budget, are those our funds, or are they personal funds of people?” he asked.
MP Kihara’s remarks highlight growing concerns over government spending priorities and the urgent need to protect Kenya’s public education system.
