- Education stakeholder Mohammed Gulow has defended Mandera’s free secondary education programme following recent criticism over its implementation.
- He says the initiative has operated continuously for four years and continues to ease the financial burden on parents.
- Gulow argues that the programme’s funding priorities and implementation have been misunderstood.
My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated article in Education News, purportedly authored by my long-time friend and educationist, Mwalimu Hish. While I hold my colleague in high regard, publishing claims without adequate facts risks misleading the public.
As stakeholders in the education sector, we have a responsibility to respond promptly and present the facts with clarity.
Free secondary education remains a landmark initiative in Mandera County, championed by Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif.
According to Gulow, the programme has operated continuously for four consecutive years, providing thousands of learners with access to secondary education while easing the financial burden on parents.
He describes the initiative as one of the county’s most significant investments in education and youth development.
Clarification on Board of Management teachers
Gulow disputes claims that the programme was established to finance the salaries of Board of Management (BOM) teachers.
He argues that there is no government policy requiring BOM teachers to be paid from funds allocated under the free secondary education programme.
According to him, such claims misrepresent both the purpose and implementation of the initiative.
Managing fiscal challenges
Gulow acknowledges that delayed national government disbursements have created cash flow challenges for many county governments across Kenya.
However, he maintains that despite inherited pending bills and a high wage bill, the Mandera County Government has continued to prioritize free secondary education.
He says the programme has remained operational despite these financial pressures.
Purpose of the funding
According to Gulow, the funds are specifically intended to support school feeding programmes, pay essential support staff such as cooks and meet other operational requirements that directly reduce costs borne by parents.
He says the initiative continues to provide meaningful support to schools and learners.
Gulow has called on education stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information when assessing the programme.
He maintains that Mandera’s free secondary education initiative remains a significant public investment whose primary objective is expanding access to education and improving learning opportunities for young people.
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He concludes by urging stakeholders to focus on facts rather than speculation, arguing that the programme continues to serve the interests of learners and the wider community.
By Mohammed Gulow
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