‘Free primary and secondary education is achievable in Kenya’ – Okiya Omtatah

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has challenged opinions that free primary and secondary education is not sustainable in Kenya.

In a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024, Omtatah attributed the failure on free education to corruption and mismanagement 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. 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 stated.

“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.”

According to the politician who has declared his interest in the presidential seat in 2027, Kenya’s tax revenue is sufficient to sustain 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. What is lacking is accountability and the political will to ensure that taxes are utilized for their intended purpose of serving the people,” he added.

Omtatah’s solution

Omtatah says in a bid to sustain free education in the country, the government must end corruption, streamline the tax system, and reinvest public funds into initiatives that directly uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

“Our children are the future of this nation, and they deserve better. 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,” he added.

Despite the government allocating billions to the education sector every year, basic education has remained an expensive affair for Kenyan parents, especially after the introduction of the competency-based curriculum.