Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Duncan Mathenge has backed the proposed increase in budgetary allocations to Kenya Ministry of Education for the 2026/2027 financial year, terming it a timely and necessary intervention for the country education sector.
Speaking during the launch of a KSh 14 million National Government Constituencies Development Fund bursary programme in Nyeri Town, Mathenge said the additional funding could help address persistent financial gaps that continue to affect schools across the country.
He noted that many public institutions have struggled with delayed and insufficient capitation, which has disrupted learning and strained school management.
Mathenge emphasized that while increased budgetary support is a step in the right direction, it must be accompanied by structural reforms to ensure effectiveness. He called for a comprehensive review of capitation rates to reflect the current economic realities, including rising costs of goods and services.
The current capitation levels are no longer sufficient to sustain quality education, Mathenge said, warning that failure to adjust them could see schools continue facing operational challenges that compromise learning outcomes.
According to the legislator, delayed disbursement of funds has also compounded the problem, forcing some schools to accumulate debts or shift financial burdens to parents.
Mathenge also revealed that the Nyeri Town NG CDF Committee is considering a proposal to support the payment of teachers employed under Boards of Management using NG CDF funds.
Currently, many of these teachers are paid directly by parents, a system that has placed additional financial strain on households already grappling with the high cost of living.
The MP said the proposed intervention aims to ease this burden while ensuring schools maintain adequate staffing levels.
If implemented, this plan will not only reduce pressure on parents but also improve teacher retention and stability in schools, he said.
Education stakeholders have long raised concerns about disparities in teacher distribution, particularly in public schools that rely heavily on Board of Management hires to fill staffing gaps.
At the same event, Mathenge confirmed that all beneficiaries of the Nyeri Town Constituency NG CDF bursary programme are expected to receive their funds by the end of the week.
The bursary initiative targets vulnerable students, helping them stay in school by covering part of their tuition and related expenses.
Mathenge said timely disbursement is critical to ensuring learners are not sent home due to unpaid fees, a common challenge in many parts of the country.
He said the constituency remains committed to ensuring that every deserving student receives support without delay.
The MP reiterated that education remains a key pillar of development and called for continued collaboration between the national government, lawmakers and local communities to strengthen the sector.
As Kenya prepares its next national budget, Mathenge remarks highlight growing calls for increased investment and policy reforms aimed at improving access, quality and sustainability in education.
