Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has invested heavily in education, saying the sector remains central to the country’s economic transformation and social equality agenda.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of Geturi School in Mosocho, Kitutu Chache North Constituency in Kisii, Prof Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration had steadily increased funding to education over the last four years to improve access, quality and relevance of learning.
The DP said the education budget had risen from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh702 billion in the current financial year and would increase further to a record Sh765 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year beginning July 1.
“We are investing heavily in education because it remains the strongest foundation for equality, opportunity and national transformation,” Prof Kindiki said.
He noted that the Government had undertaken wide-ranging reforms under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework aimed at aligning learning with practical skills and labour market demands.
Prof Kindiki said the reforms were being supported by increased teacher recruitment, improved learning infrastructure and expansion of technical and vocational training opportunities across the country.
According to Kindiki , the Government has recruited a record 100,000 teachers over the last four years in a move aimed at addressing staff shortages in public schools and improving the teacher-to-student ratio.
He added that the State had also constructed 23,000 classrooms and built 1,600 laboratories to create a more conducive learning environment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The second in command,said the government remained committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background, accessed quality and relevant education.
At the tertiary level,Kindiki said reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions had led to increased enrollment and enhanced training opportunities for young people seeking practical skills.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration was constructing and equipping at least one technical training institute in every constituency as part of efforts to strengthen skills development and tackle youth unemployment.
He noted that policy reforms such as modular-based learning, recognition of prior learning and the dual training model had made technical education more flexible and responsive to industry needs.
Kindiki at the same time said the reduction of annual fees in technical institutions from Sh105,000 to Sh87,000 had significantly boosted enrollment.
According to Prof Kindiki, the number of students in TVET institutions had increased from 297,000 in 2022 to 718,000 currently.
He defended the new student-centred university funding model, saying it was intended to ensure no learner misses higher education due to financial constraints while helping stabilise public universities facing financial challenges.
Prof Kindiki maintained that the government would continue refining the programme to ensure deserving students received adequate support.
“No student should fail to join university because of lack of school fees. The Government is committed to supporting learners while at the same time strengthening our public universities,” he added.
The Deputy President further pledged continued investment in education infrastructure, teacher recruitment and student support programmes, saying the administration viewed education as a long-term investment in the country’s future.
Geturi School was built through the National Government Constituency Development Fund under the patronage of Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Nyakundi.
The commissioning ceremony brought together leaders, parents, teachers and students from across the region.
Among those present were Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly and education stakeholders.
