Bishop Joseph Obanyi of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega has criticised the government for slashing education funds, arguing that the move undermines the constitutional right of every child to access free education.
Speaking during the Press Conference, the Bishop described the end of the free education programme as a step backwards, appealing to the government to engage in dialogue.
He urged the government to prioritise the education sector, with a more equitable allocation of funds, so that every child can attend school, learn, and complete their studies.
“The removal of the programme due to differences in leadership will not work, as it enhances propaganda,” he said.
Bishop Obanyi emphasised that parents are burdened and taxed in addition to the high cost of living.
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The Bishop, in his remarks, disagreed with the government’s decision to abolish free Primary Education and asked the government to review it before making the decision and come up with a resolution.
He urged all leaders in the Senate, Parliament, and Executive to embrace education programmes, which are a key factor in the country’s economic development.
If the trend of removing free Primary Education, in addition to capitation funds, continues, he noted that a crisis will ensue. “I am aware that many of the institutions, even when they were not receiving capitation funds on time, some of them were taking overdraft,” he reiterated.
The capitation, if removed, would mean schools could not operate; the burden would be on the parents, who are already overburdened, and it would mean the country is regressing.
The constitution stipulates that education for children should be free, hence a compulsory basic education, and if there is no little capitation issued early, the government is supposed to take care of the whole expense of a child in school
Bishop stated the removal is making the situation worse. “I don’t think its going to help parents, that’s why we pray the government to review the idea,” he said.
By Hilda Atika
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