Senator Omtatah Says Free Primary, Secondary Education Possible In Kenya
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has questioned the notion that free primary and secondary education is not sustainable in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 2, 2024, Omtatah blamed the failure of free education on corruption and misappropriation of funds.
“Free Primary and Secondary School Education is not just an aspiration; it is entirely achievable in Kenya. The key lies in addressing corruption and mismanagement of public funds,” Omtatah stated.
“By consolidating all bursaries into a single, transparent educational fund, we can take a bold step toward ensuring every Kenyan child has access to quality education.
Omtatah continued: “In 2003, Kenya introduced free primary education, a monumental achievement at the time by the Late President Kibaki. Two decades later, in a nation committed to progress, this benefit should already have extended to secondary education.
“Unfortunately, rampant corruption and inefficiency have hindered this growth, leaving millions of Kenyan families struggling to educate their children.”
Free Primary and Secondary School Education is not just an aspiration; it is entirely achievable in Kenya. The key lies in addressing corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) December 2, 2024
By consolidating all bursaries into a single, transparent educational fund, we can take a bold step…
According to the politician who declared his candidacy for president in 2027, Kenya’s tax revenue is adequate to fund free education in the country.
“Kenya’s tax burden is among the highest in Africa relative to income levels, proving that we already generate sufficient revenue to fund transformative programs like free education,” he added.
“What is lacking is accountability and the political will to ensure that taxes are utilized for their intended purpose of serving the people.”
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Omtatah believes that in order to preserve free education in Kenya, the government must remove corruption, restructure the tax system, and reinvest public funds in initiatives that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.
“Our children are the future of this nation, and they deserve better,” he added.
“Free and accessible education for every child must be a priority. Together, we can make this vision a reality and build a more equitable, prosperous Kenya for generations to come.”
Despite the government’s annual allocation of billions to the education sector, basic education has remained an expensive affair for Kenyan parents, particularly with the implementation of the competency-based curriculum.
Senator Omtatah Says Free Primary, Secondary Education Possible In Kenya
