The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised fresh concerns about the future of the Free Education Programme, accusing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of frustrating efforts to deliver quality and accessible education in Kenya.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori pointed fingers at CS Mbadi, claiming he is the key reason behind the apparent breakdown in the free education system.
Misori stated that while Parliament had already approved funding and the President reaffirmed his dedication to education, the Treasury has failed to disburse the necessary funds to schools.
“The real challenge is at the Treasury. Parliament has done its job by allocating the funds, and President Ruto has clearly stated that access to quality education must never be compromised,” Misori said, emphasizing that the Treasury’s failure to act is harming learners.
Misori accused CS Mbadi of deliberately stalling the release of the funds that had already been approved.
He argued that Mbadi, who was appointed as a technocrat with deep knowledge of financial matters, is now misusing his position to sabotage a critical government programme that supports millions of Kenyan students.
“The roadblock is John Mbadi. He is the one withholding the funds meant for our children’s education. As a finance expert, he should be working to strengthen the education sector, not tear it down,” Misori added.
The union leader further expressed concern over the growing confusion within the Ministry of Education, especially as schools closed for their second-term break.
He said that the lack of clear direction and mixed signals from government officials has created uncertainty for school heads, parents, and learners alike.
“There is now a clear picture of confusion within the Ministry,” Misori noted, explaining how contradictory statements from Treasury, Education officials, and the President have only deepened the crisis.
CS Mbadi had earlier suggested that the government might no longer be able to fund the free education programme, sparking public fear that the initiative could be scrapped.
However, in swift rebuttals, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba and Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok clarified that free education remains intact and that Mbadi’s comments were taken out of context.
President William Ruto also addressed the issue while speaking at a church service in Kariobangi. He reassured Kenyans that the government remains fully committed to delivering free, quality education, stressing that it is a constitutional right that must be upheld.
“Education is not up for debate. We will not compromise on accessibility, quality, affordability, or relevance,” Ruto emphasized, highlighting the government’s efforts, such as employing 76,000 new teachers and building 23,000 classrooms to support learning.
Despite these assurances, Misori remained skeptical, saying the situation is still unclear. He warned that unless the Treasury releases the funds immediately, the future of free education in Kenya remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has promised to continue pushing Parliament for more funds to sustain the programme.
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