Government to Increase Education Budget
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reassured Kenyans that the government isn’t planning to cut funding for free primary and secondary education. In fact, he promised that there will be increased financial support for this vital sector.
Prof. Kindiki emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza Administration is committed to maintaining the progress made in education, highlighting the boost in funding and the record number of teachers hired since President Ruto took office in 2022.
On Saturday, the DP attended the Kanduyi Constituency Economic Empowerment event at Posta Grounds in Kanduyi town, where he reiterated the government’s significant investments in enhancing learning facilities and improving teachers’ welfare.
“Kenya Kwanza Administration will go out of its way to make sure we don’t roll back the gains that the country has made in assuring free and compulsory primary and secondary education,” DP said.
The government has set aside more than Sh700 billion for the education sector this financial year, marking one of the largest budget allocations we’ve seen in recent times. This funding isn’t just about boosting teachers’ salaries; it’s also aimed at enhancing the school infrastructure that’s essential for the new learning system.
“Former Presidents Kibaki and Uhuru instituted reforms in the sector that we are building on to make it better. We will not accept to go back. We cannot afford in this time in history to roll back the tremendous progress our nation has made to make education accessible and affordable at primary and secondary level,” Prof. Kindiki added.
Further, the administration has also employed 76, 000 teachers and another 24, 000 to be recruited before the end of the year. With an extra 100, 000 teachers, shortage of teachers in public schools has been dealt with significantly.
“Ignore the naysayers. I assure you we will implement the necessary interventions to make sure it is affordable, accessible, relevant and of high quality,” DP affirmed.
At the same time, Prof. Kindiki stood up for the empowerment initiatives with wananchi throughout the country. He emphasized that these efforts aren’t about handing out money for support; rather, they’re focused on enhancing businesses and hustles through groups and Saccos.
“The empowerment forums are to boost registered groups. It is not for raising money to be shared by individuals. The groups are tasked with investing in money-making ventures that will generate more income for members,” he explained.
In a recent discussion, Prof. Kindiki highlighted that there’s a strong push to enhance agriculture, roads, healthcare, and electricity. The goal is to ensure that all Kenyans can enjoy better returns and improved services.
“We are reviving the sugar industry. For the first time, Mumias Sugar Factory is paying farmers every week, workers’ salaries on time and also bonuses to farmers. We are replicating this in other factories in Western and Nyanza regions including Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma,” he said.
The government has kicked off construction on some previously stalled roads, including the 63km Musikoma-Navakholo and Misikhu-Brigadier Roads, which are essential for the movement of goods and people in the region.
On top of that, there are 26 new modern markets in the works in Bungoma County. Some of these include the Bungoma Municipal Market, Chwele, Naitiri, Kapsokwony, and Cheptais, among others.
“Nothing prevents Kenya from moving to the next bracket of development. That is from lower middle income to the proper middle income by 2030. Part of that realization includes access to electricity, water, roads, affordable and dignified homes and proper healthcare for all citizens,” he emphasized.
At the event, DP was accompanied by a notable group including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, and Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany. Also present were President’s Aide Farouk Kibet, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot (the Majority Leader from Kericho), and several MPs like John Makali (the host from Kanduyi), John Bwire (Taveta), and Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North). The gathering also featured Senator Eddie Oketch (Migori), Mohamed Abdi (Lafey), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Senator Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), John Chikati (Tongaren), Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), and John Waluke (Sirisia), along with a host of MCAs and others.
Government to Increase Education Budget
