Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has called on the government to reassess the current education funding model, citing the high costs that hinder equitable access for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of Dr. Moses Ayumba Luvisi in Tongaren Constituency, Wamboka highlighted the financial strain faced by parents under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He argued that the government should shoulder the majority of educational expenses from primary to tertiary levels to reduce the burden on families.
“Poor parents cannot support their children through the new education system because it is too costly,” Wamboka remarked. He noted that the CBC primarily benefits learners from affluent families, creating disparities in access to quality education.
The MP, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Public Investments and Governance, stressed the importance of revisiting the CBC’s implementation model. He pointed out that parents, teachers, and even education ministry officials lack a clear understanding of the curriculum, making its success unlikely without significant reforms.
“The government should not hurry to implement the CBC. Let them listen to the cries and views of parents and other stakeholders,” Wamboka urged. He also called for prioritizing the hiring of more teachers to address the acute shortage exacerbated by the curriculum’s demands.
“The government should give priority to the employment of teachers to fast-track the implementation of CBC,” he emphasized.
Beyond basic education, Wamboka expressed concerns over the financial woes facing public universities, attributing their struggles to widespread corruption. He revealed that his committee had uncovered significant mismanagement during accountability hearings with university management.
“The management of public universities has been appearing before my committee, and we have unearthed a lot of rot in the institutions,” Wamboka stated. He warned that corrupt managers would face legal consequences and reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to ensuring prudent use of public resources.
The MP underscored the need for the government to take immediate steps to address these systemic challenges, arguing that education remains a cornerstone for national development. Without significant reforms to the funding model and management practices, he warned, the potential benefits of the CBC and higher education institutions could go unrealized.
Wamboka’s remarks reflect growing concerns among stakeholders about the sustainability and fairness of Kenya’s education system, urging the government to take a more inclusive and accountable approach.
