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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to sustaining free primary and secondary education, dismissing fears of potential budget cuts in the sector.
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Speaking on Saturday during an economic empowerment event in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Kindiki emphasized that the government remains steadfast in enhancing access to quality education and will not reverse the gains achieved over the years.
He pointed to the increased budgetary allocation of over Sh700 billion for the education sector in the current financial year—one of the largest in recent history. This funding, he said, supports the improvement of school infrastructure and better remuneration for teachers, all critical to the successful implementation of the competency-based curriculum.
“We are determined not to reverse the progress made by previous administrations under Presidents Kibaki and Uhuru. Education at the primary and secondary level must remain free, compulsory, and accessible to every Kenyan child,” said Kindiki.
The DP highlighted that since President William Ruto took office in 2022, the government has hired 76,000 teachers, with plans to recruit an additional 24,000 before the end of the year, significantly addressing the teacher shortage in public schools.
“Disregard those doubting our commitment. We will continue implementing policies to ensure education remains affordable, relevant, and of high quality,” he affirmed.
Kindiki also addressed the ongoing economic empowerment forums, clarifying that the initiatives are aimed at supporting registered groups, cooperatives, and Saccos—not disbursing money to individuals. The objective, he said, is to uplift small enterprises and improve livelihoods through sustainable investments.
On infrastructure and development, Kindiki noted that the government is ramping up investments in agriculture, roads, electricity, and healthcare to improve service delivery across the country.
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He cited the revival of Mumias Sugar Company as a success story, noting that farmers are now receiving timely payments, salaries for workers have stabilized, and bonuses are being issued. Similar reforms, he added, are underway at other sugar factories in Western and Nyanza, including Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma.
Road infrastructure projects such as the 63km Musikoma–Navakholo and Misikhu–Brigadier roads have resumed, while 26 modern markets are under construction across Bungoma County. These include markets in Bungoma town, Chwele, Naitiri, Kapsokwony, and Cheptais.
Kindiki concluded by expressing optimism about Kenya’s path to becoming a middle-income country by 2030, anchored on improved access to housing, healthcare, water, electricity, and roads.
He was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, President’s advisor Farouk Kibet, and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, among other leaders.
