By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has condemned the government’s drastic slashing of education funding, warning that the move will cripple public schools.
For the third consecutive year, the Treasury has significantly reduced allocations to the education sector, leaving critical programs unfunded.
The 2025/2026 budget estimates before the National Assembly reveal a staggering Sh62 billion shortfall, with key budget lines either slashed or scrapped entirely.
Examinations, Inspections, and School Data Systems Defunded
The budget provides zero funding for national examinations management, school quality assurance (inspections), and the modernization of the school information management system.
KUPPET warns that these cuts will effectively kill the Ministry of Education’s quality assurance department, undermining standards in schools. Parents may now bear the cost of examinations and school inspections.
School Feeding, Capitation, and Teacher Employment Hit Hard
The government has also gutted funding for the school feeding program, capitation for primary and junior secondary schools, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Most alarmingly, the Treasury has removed all funds meant to confirm 20,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms.
Additionally, the TSC has received no allocation to hire the promised 20,000 new teachers in January 2026, despite President William Ruto’s pledge during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
“Biggest Rollback of Social Spending Since Independence”
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori described the cuts as the most aggressive withdrawal from education funding in Kenya’s history, following previous reductions in Edu-Afya medical cover, university research, and student loans.
The union demands that Parliament restore full funding as outlined in the Budget Policy Statement, though even that amount falls far short of the sector’s needs.
Ministry’s Confusing Policies on Junior Schools
KUPPET also criticized the Ministry of Education for contradictory policies on Junior Schools. A recent circular seeks to merge Junior School teachers under the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association, effectively erasing their autonomy.
The union insists that Junior Schools must remain independent and has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the directive. “These cuts will devastate public education. We demand urgent intervention,” Misori said.
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