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Parents have raised concerns regarding Ksh 784.5B education budget.
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Parents seek more funding for reforms, materials, and bursaries despite record allocation.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
Mixed reactions have emerged over the education sector’s allocation in the 2026/27 national budget, with parents from the South Rift region arguing that the record funding may still fall short of the sector’s needs.
While welcoming the government’s decision to allocate KSh 784.5 billion to education, the parents said schools require additional support to effectively implement reforms and improve learning outcomes.
The funding includes Ksh 408.5 billion for the Teachers Service Commission, KSh 96.4 billion for higher education loans and scholarships, KSh 61.6 billion for free primary and day secondary education, and KSh 30.9 billion for Junior Secondary School capitation.
Naomi Soi said the increased allocation demonstrates the government’s recognition of education as a priority sector but cautioned that significant gaps remain.
“Education is the foundation of our nation’s future. The government must increase funding to the sector because it has been underfunded for many years, and this is unacceptable,” she said.
Parents argued that schools continue to struggle with inadequate resources, delayed capitation disbursements and increasing operational costs.
Emily Kikwai said implementation of the Competency-Based Education curriculum requires sustained investment.
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“If Competency-Based Education is to achieve its intended goals, then additional resources must be allocated to schools, teachers and learning materials,” she said.
The parents also called for increased support for vulnerable learners through bursaries and enhanced school capitation.
According to Catherine Sigey, many households are struggling to keep children in school due to economic hardships.
“Parents are currently carrying a heavy financial burden. Increasing bursary funds would help many vulnerable learners remain in school,” she said.
The parents urged the government to continue increasing education funding in future budgets to ensure that no child is left behind and that schools are adequately equipped to deliver quality education.
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