Parents in Kamukunji constituency have urged the government to fully implement free education as schools reopen, citing the rising cost of living and the financial strain on households.
Speaking during a bursary disbursement exercise in the constituency, parents expressed concern that the funds allocated through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) are insufficient.
Despite receiving bursaries, many noted they are still required to pay about Sh24,000 in school fees, an amount they say remains unaffordable under current economic conditions.
In the latest allocation, about 6,600 students benefited from a total of Sh68 million disbursed to support their education.
Kamukunji MP, Yusuf Hassan, acknowledged the growing demand for educational support, noting a significant rise in student enrolment over the past 15 years.
He attributed this increase to sustained efforts aimed at keeping children, particularly boys, away from crime and other social vices.
“Over 73,000 students have benefited from bursary allocations during my four terms in office, with total disbursements amounting to approximately Sh500 million,” Hassan said.
Parents, however, continue to urge the government to bridge the funding gap to ensure truly free and accessible education for all.
During the exercise the area MP called out the cases of goonism in the area while calling upon the residents to register with IEBC so as to choose the right leaders in the coming elections
Last week, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised fresh concerns over the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s free education programme, citing persistent funding gaps, delayed capitation disbursements and mounting pressure on schools.
The concerns emerged during a review of a Special Audit Report on capitation and infrastructure grants at Bunge Towers, in a session attended by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
Lawmakers questioned the Ministry of Education over recurring capitation shortfalls, with several members calling for greater transparency on the true cost of education.
They said despite being branded as “free,” parents continue to shoulder part of the financial burden through top-up fees—effectively rendering the system subsidised rather than fully funded.
Bitok told the committee that capitation currently stands at Sh22,224 per student for Free Day Secondary School and Sh15,043 for Free Day Junior Secondary School.
He said primary school learners receive Sh1,420 per head, while Special Needs Education attracts Sh57,974 per learner.
However, MPs disputed the figures, maintaining that actual disbursements to secondary schools are significantly lower-at just over Sh12,000 per student—raising concerns over discrepancies between official allocations and funds received by institutions.
The committee further revealed that more than one million learners missed capitation funds in 2024, worsening financial strain across public schools.
In some instances, schools were forced to close early due to operational funding gaps, highlighting systemic weaknesses in programme implementation.
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