Senator Onyonka Calls for Free Education in Kenya, Questions Sh633 Billion Allocation to Ministry of Education

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has called for education in Kenya to be made free at all levels, arguing that the current budget allocated to the Ministry of Education is sufficient to cover the costs. On Tuesday, Onyonka highlighted that the funds designated for the ministry are comparable to the entire budget used by the third President, Mwai Kibaki, to run the country during the first two years of his presidency.

The Senator questioned why the same amount of money that previously sustained the entire nation could not now be used to provide free education across all levels, from primary to university. He implied that much of this money is being misappropriated, ending up in individuals' pockets instead of being used for educational purposes. 

"University education, primary school education, and secondary school education in Kenya must be free. Why do I say so? Look at the amount of money we are giving the Ministry of Education—Sh633 billion a year. That is the money President Kibaki used to run this country during his first two years in office. He paid teachers, doctors, lawyers, everyone needed to run the country. Now, that same amount is the budget for the Ministry of Education alone. Where is the money going? The funds meant for free education are being eaten by gentlemen and ladies," Onyonka stated during an appearance on Citizen TV.

Onyonka's comments came as part of a broader discussion on the new Financing Model, a contentious issue in the country. The administration of President William Ruto has defended this funding model, claiming it prioritizes support for the most vulnerable citizens.

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In the 2024/25 national budget, the education sector emerged as a major beneficiary, receiving nearly 30% of the total funds. The sector was allocated Sh656.6 billion out of the Sh3.92 trillion fiscal estimates, which accounts for 27.6% of the total budget. This was an increase from the Sh544.4 billion allocated in the 2023/24 financial year. Of the Sh656.6 billion, Sh358.2 billion is earmarked for the Teachers Service Commission, Sh142.3 billion for the Department of Basic Education, and Sh128 billion for the Department of Higher Education and Research.