Ndindi Nyoro Calls for Honest Debate on Education Funding, Faults Capitation Delays

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called for a deliberate, concise, and honest national conversation on the funding of free basic education, warning that persistent capitation shortfalls are undermining the quality of learning in public schools.

Nyoro said basic education remains the foundation of Kenya’s human capital, describing it as the country’s most critical investment.

“Human capital is Kenya’s most important resource, and basic education is its foundation. We must be truthful about how we fund it,” Nyoro said.

He thanked Kenyans who spoke out against what he termed regressive proposals to increase school fees, particularly in day secondary schools, saying public pressure forced the government to reconsider the move.

According to the MP, after plans to raise fees stalled, the government issued a circular and released some funds to schools. However, he said the disbursement fell far short of expectations, especially at the senior secondary level.

Nyoro cited figures showing that while Ksh 26 billion was released for senior secondary schools, the government owed institutions Ksh 22.5 billion in arrears for the 2025 financial year. This, he noted, effectively meant that only Ksh 3.5 billion was available as fresh funding for the first term.

“That translates to about Ksh 109 per learner for the entire first term. How are principals expected to run schools on Ksh 109 per learner?” he posed.

He further questioned the inconsistency in capitation figures, asking whether the disbursement implied that the 2025 capitation stood at Ksh 15,384 per learner instead of the previously indicated Ksh 22,244.

Nyoro warned that the lack of clarity and delayed funding continues to push schools into perpetual debt, forcing administrators to compromise on essential services and lowering overall education standards.

“The confusion around capitation only produces one result—schools drowning in debt and declining quality of education,” he said.

The Kiharu MP also called for the immediate confirmation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, urging the government to absorb them on permanent and pensionable terms.

“Our brothers and sisters serving as JSS interns deserve job security and dignity. They must be confirmed without further delay,” Nyoro added.

The debate on education funding has intensified amid rising operational costs for schools and growing concern from parents, teachers, and education stakeholders over the sustainability of free basic education.