Kenyans were left reeling after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi declared that the government can no longer sustain free primary and day secondary education, igniting widespread concern over the future of basic schooling in the country.
Highlights:
- Treasury CS John Mbadi says free education is no longer financially viable
- Announcement made during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Education
- Concerns rise over access to education for low-income families
Main Story:
In a stunning revelation before the National Assembly Committee on Education on July 25, 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the government no longer has the resources to finance free primary and day secondary education. His remarks have sparked national outrage and fear over the future of universal education in Kenya.
CS Mbadi cited severe financial constraints and growing national debt as the main reasons behind the decision. He explained that the government’s coffers are stretched too thin to support the once-flagship initiative that has been key in improving literacy and enrolment rates across the country for nearly two decades.
The shift means that parents, many already grappling with a high cost of living, may now have to cover school-related expenses that were previously catered for by the state. This includes tuition, learning materials, and possibly exam fees — potentially locking out thousands of children from continuing their education.
The revelation triggered immediate reactions from lawmakers and the public, with many urging the government to reconsider. Education stakeholders warned that abandoning free education could reverse progress made in achieving universal access to basic learning and widen inequality gaps.
Several MPs demanded an urgent meeting between the Ministries of Education and Treasury to chart a sustainable path forward. Others called on President William Ruto’s administration to re-prioritize the education sector, warning of the long-term consequences of such a drastic policy shift.
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With education now on the chopping block, Kenyans are left wondering — what happens to the promise of equal opportunity for all?
