The Ministry of Education is set to tighten its auditing processes as it prepares to manage a substantial budget of Ksh702.7 billion for the education sector.
During the inaugural National Retreat of Public Universities Councils held in Mombasa, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos announced this significant funding, which accounts for nearly 28% of the national budget totaling KSh4.239 trillion.
“We have exceeded the UNESCO guideline of allocating 20% of a nation’s budget to education, and we intend to maximize the impact of this investment. Our goal is to ensure that these resources are used wisely and effectively, minimizing waste to benefit the greatest number of students,” Migos stated.
He made it clear that any school leaders found guilty of misusing funds, as highlighted in audit findings, will face consequences.
From this budget, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will receive Ksh387.2 billion, which includes Ksh7.2 billion earmarked for hiring 24,000 intern teachers in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Moreover, Ksh5.9 billion is allocated for national examinations, while KSh3 billion will support the School Feeding Programme, and KSh7 billion is designated for Free Primary Education.
Migos reassured that the funding for the school feeding initiative remains secure, ensuring that students in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and informal settlements will continue to receive meals to encourage school attendance and retention.
He also expressed approval of a recent High Court ruling that deemed additional fees imposed by schools as unlawful, reinforcing the government’s position on free education.
“Those charges, as we have previously stated, are illegal. The court’s decision reaffirms our stance that no extra fees should be levied by school administrators on parents, as we provide free education and capitation for all institutions,” he cautioned.
