Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s ongoing education reforms, saying increased funding, teacher recruitment and expansion of school infrastructure are transforming learning institutions across the country.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of Geturi School in Mosocho, Kitutu Chache North Constituency in Kisii County, Kindiki said the government has significantly increased investment in education since 2022 to improve access and quality learning.
“We have increased the education budget annually from KSh500 billion in 2022 to KSh702 billion in the current financial year, and it will rise further to a historic KSh765 billion in the next fiscal year starting July 1,” Kindiki said.
Government Targets Better Learning Outcomes
Kindiki said the reforms under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system are already improving learning outcomes across the country.
According to the Deputy President, the government has recruited a record 100,000 teachers over the last four years to address staffing shortages in schools.
“The recruitment of teachers, construction of 23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories is a major boost to school infrastructure and quality education,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring every child has access to quality and relevant education regardless of their background.
“The Government is doing all it can to ensure all children access quality education because education remains the surest path towards a more equitable society and faster national development,” Kindiki stated.
Technical Training Enrollment Doubles
Kindiki also highlighted reforms in tertiary education, saying investments in technical and vocational training institutions have led to a sharp rise in enrollment.
He noted that the government is constructing and equipping at least one technical training institute in every constituency to enhance skills development among young people.
Other reforms, he said, include the introduction of a modular-based curriculum, recognition of prior learning and implementation of the dual training policy.
“These reforms have cumulatively increased enrollment in tertiary institutions from 297,000 students in 2022 to over 718,000 currently,” Kindiki said.
He further defended the new university funding model, saying it was designed to ensure that no student misses university education because of financial challenges.
“The new student-centred university funding model has helped stabilize universities, some of which were almost becoming insolvent,” he added.
Leaders Attend School Commissioning in Kisii
The Deputy President commissioned Geturi School, which was constructed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) under the leadership of Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi.
Several leaders attended the event, including Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi and nominated Senator Elsie Okenyuri.
Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, local MCAs, teachers, parents and students were also present during the ceremony.
