KIHARU, Kenya- Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has accused the Ministry of Education of plotting to slash capitation funding for day secondary school students from Sh 22,000 to Sh 12,000 per pupil annually — a reduction he says would “cripple” the education sector.
Speaking on Sunday, November 16, during a church service in Murang’a, Nyoro said many parents are already struggling due to Kenya’s harsh economic conditions and rely on bursaries or sponsorships.
If the cut goes ahead, he warned, parents might be forced to pay an additional Sh 10,000 beyond what they currently afford.
Nyoro referred to a circular allegedly sent to school principals by the ministry, citing a 2015 gazette notice as justification for the proposed capitation drop. He condemned the move as an intentional rollback of free basic education, vowing to use his influence in Parliament to oppose it.
He also highlighted his Masomo Bora initiative in his constituency, where students in day schools pay just Sh 1,000 per term — and still face difficulty. He argued that education is vital to empowerment, and cutting funds could shut out many students.
“If you deny a child their right to education,” he said, “you ruin their future and make them an even bigger burden on society.”
Nyoro further claimed that the government is misallocating funds — prioritising political spending over education — and insisted that the money already being spent could fully cover day-school capitation.
This comes amid ongoing tension around capitation payments: the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) has raised the alarm that the government has delayed remitting over Sh 70 billion to schools, pushing many into debt.
Meanwhile, the government continues to publicly affirm its commitment to free basic education.
