Kindiki: Ksh702B released to pay teachers and run schools

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has released a record Ksh702 billion to the Ministry of Education to support the operations of schools and universities across the country.

The funds, he said, will cater for teachers’ salaries, school operations, and the running of higher education institutions.

Speaking at Murang’a Technical Training Institute Inaugural Graduation Ceremony in Murang’a on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Kindiki described the allocation as a bold demonstration of the government’s commitment to education, noting that the sector takes up the largest share of the national budget. He pointed out that among Kenya’s 22 ministries, the Ministry of Education alone accounts for nearly a third of the total resources allocated by the state.

“This is not a small investment. If anyone has doubts about where the government places education, look at the budget,” Kindiki said. “Out of 22 ministries, education alone takes 30 per cent. We are spending nearly 30 per cent of all the resources of Kenya to fund education. Almost 30 per cent of the money that we collect in this country is funding education.”

Top priority

According to Kindiki, the Ksh702 billion allocation underscores the critical role education plays in national development. The money will be used not only for paying teachers but also for ensuring smooth operations in schools, colleges, and universities. He added that the investment was essential to guarantee that every Kenyan child has access to quality education, from the primary level all the way to tertiary institutions.

The announcement comes at a time when stakeholders have raised concerns about funding challenges in schools, including delayed disbursement of capitation grants and strained university finances. By setting aside nearly a third of the national budget for education, the government hopes to strengthen confidence in the sector and safeguard the future of millions of learners.

Kindiki further emphasised that the government views education not just as an expenditure but as an investment in the country’s human capital.

The allocation reaffirms the government’s pledge to make education accessible and sustainable, positioning it as the backbone of Kenya’s social and economic progress.