Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has reignited the debate on the need for free education in Kenya, arguing that the current budget allocation to the Ministry of Education is sufficient to fund free education across all levels. Speaking on Citizen TV, Onyonka highlighted the disconnect between the substantial funds allocated to the education sector and the persistent financial barriers that Kenyan students face.
According to Onyonka, the current allocation to the Ministry of Education is equivalent to what the third President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, used to run the entire country during his first two years in office. He pointed out that if such an amount was sufficient to manage the country’s operations, it should be more than adequate to cover the costs of providing free education at all levels.
A Call for Free Education
Onyonka’s argument centers around the notion that education is a fundamental right and should not be limited by financial constraints. He emphasized that the Sh633 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education annually is enough to facilitate free education from primary to university levels. The Senator questioned the management of these funds, suggesting that a significant portion is misallocated or embezzled, thereby failing to reach the intended beneficiaries.
“University education, primary school education, and secondary school education in Kenya must be free,” Onyonka stated. “Look at the amount of money we are giving the Ministry of Education—Sh633 billion a year. That is the same amount President Kibaki used to run this country during his first two years in office. He paid teachers, doctors, lawyers—everyone involved in running this country. So where is the money going now?”
Onyonka’s remarks come amid discussions surrounding the new Financing Model introduced by President William Ruto’s administration. While the government defends the model, claiming it prioritizes the most vulnerable populations, Onyonka argues that the broader issue lies in ensuring that education is accessible to all without financial barriers.
Budgetary Allocation and Disbursement
The education sector was a significant beneficiary in the 2024/25 national budget, receiving Sh656.6 billion out of the Sh3.92 trillion total fiscal estimates, translating to 27.6 percent of the national budget. This marked an increase from the previous year’s allocation of Sh544.4 billion. The increased budget was distributed as follows: Sh358.2 billion was allocated to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), responsible for employing and managing teachers; Sh142.3 billion went to the Department of Basic Education, which oversees primary and secondary schools; and Sh128 billion was designated for the Department of Higher Education and research.
Despite the substantial funding, Onyonka and other critics argue that the intended impact is not felt on the ground. They attribute this to mismanagement and corruption within the sector, which diverts funds away from their intended purposes. Onyonka’s comments highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of education funds to ensure that they benefit students as intended.
The Need for Reform
Onyonka’s advocacy for free education reflects a broader call for reform within Kenya’s education sector. He argues that, with proper management, the funds currently allocated could provide free education, alleviating the financial burden on families and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations without impediment.
The Senator’s stance underscores a critical conversation about the priorities and management of public funds in Kenya. By emphasizing the need for accountability, Onyonka aims to challenge the current system and push for a model that not only allocates funds but also ensures they are used effectively to enhance educational access and quality.
As the debate on education funding continues, Onyonka’s call for free education serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of education and the government’s responsibility to make it accessible to all. His remarks prompt a reevaluation of the current financing model and a push towards a more inclusive and equitable education system in Kenya.
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