The Kenya National Union of Teachers, (KNUT) has urged members of parliament to restore Ksh 62 billion cutback from the education sector in the 2025/26 financial year budget.
The union has appealed to the parliament to reinstate the funding failure to which key programs will be significantly affected.
KNUT secretary general Collins Oyuu asked legislatures to review the issue, and ensure that the Ministry of Education is not starved of funding.
“Education is the pillar of development in the country and the ministry requires all the money it can possibly get. We are appealing to the parliament and to the executive arm of government to review the proposed budgetary allocation, Oyuu said.
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Oyuu while speaking at Olereko village in Kilgoris Constituency, Narok County during the burial of Knut Rift Valley council chairman John Sampoti Musere, said that the money meant for examination and invigilation has been removed in the budget estimates, adding that it has never happened.
He added that the education reforms will not be achieved without adequate funding.
“Education affects all facets of the socio- economic and political fabric, thus the need to give it priority in funding. The success or failure of a country is hinged on how seriously a government takes education. We are confident that the President will step in and restore the funding,” Oyuu said.
Oyuu’s sentiments was echoed by Knut National Chair kamau karinga, First National Vice chairman Malel Langat, First National representative Mercy Ndung’u, National Trustee Bonface Tenai and National executive Committee members Richard Lentayaa, Aice Bor and Sammy Bor.
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The reduction of the Ministry of Educations budget according to Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, was done by an official of the National Treasury in bid to beat a cabinet deadline.
The PS told the Education committee recently that Ksh 12.5 billion meant for examinations and invigilation, Ksh 1.8 billion, and 21.85 billion for the free primary and secondary school capitation respectively had not been factored into the budget estimates.
Additionally, Ksh 18.8 billion capitation for junior school and Ksh 4.2 billion for the school feeding program have also not been factored in the new budget allocation.
In the budget proposal, the TSC has been allocated Ksh 387.7 billion, including funds to employ 24, 00 teachers in January next year.
By Brian Ndigo
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