NYERI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reignited debate over affirmative action in Kenya’s education system, challenging leaders from Northern Kenya to justify continued preferential treatment in national school placement more than a decade after the introduction of devolution.
Speaking during a press conference in Nyeri on Friday, Gachagua questioned whether counties that have received what he described as “massive resources” since 2013 still merit special consideration when placing students in national and extra-county schools.
He argued that devolution was designed to level the playing field by empowering counties to develop their own institutions, adding that the continued reliance on affirmative action undermines the spirit of equity envisioned under the devolved system.
Thirteen years on, Gachagua said, leaders from Northern Kenya should focus on building high-quality schools rather than seeking access to facilities developed elsewhere.
He maintained that counties in regions such as Mt Kenya, Rift Valley and Western Kenya had established strong institutions despite receiving comparatively fewer resources.
Drawing from his time as deputy president, Gachagua claimed he witnessed limited institutional development in parts of Northern Kenya despite consistent transfers of public funds.
He further criticised some regional leaders for what he termed a lack of presence in their own counties, alleging that several relied on government travel rather than residing and working on the ground.
Gachagua called for a national conversation on the future of affirmative action and zoning policies in education, questioning whether the rationale for such measures still holds.
He also took issue with the National Placement Service, which grants special consideration to learners from historically marginalised regions, arguing that the policy disadvantages students from areas that host national schools, including Mt Kenya.
However, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism from leaders in Northern Kenya.
A group of MPs and governors, led by Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, defended affirmative action, saying the region continues to grapple with historical marginalisation, insecurity, teacher shortages and socio-cultural challenges that affect education outcomes.
They warned against politicising education reforms, insisting that any review of placement policies should be handled through established institutional frameworks rather than public rhetoric they described as divisive.
The debate adds to growing national scrutiny of equity, devolution and access to quality education as policymakers weigh whether long-standing affirmative action measures should be reviewed or retained.
