Former presidential candidate Reuben Kigame has voiced his strong concerns over the growing corruption within Kenya's government, calling out the gross mismanagement of public funds, particularly in the education sector. According to Kigame, the government's failure to curb corruption is preventing the nation from offering truly free education from primary through to university, despite an allocation of KSh 656.6 billion to the education sector for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Kigame argues that while the government has allocated a substantial amount for education, it is spending more than double the necessary amount to provide quality, free education. In his estimation, the actual cost to provide comprehensive free education for all students from primary school to undergraduate level in Kenya would be around KSh 300 billion – significantly less than the KSh 656.6 billion allocated for education, with a staggering KSh 356.6 billion misappropriated.
"The amount allocated to education could, with proper management, provide free and quality education to all Kenyan children, from primary school to university. Instead, it is being misused or siphoned off through corrupt dealings that benefit a few at the expense of the nation’s future," said Kigame.
A Government of Mismanagement and Waste
Kigame highlights the troubling inefficiencies and inefficacies that plague the education sector. According to his analysis, the government has already misallocated funds, with KSh 3,920.7 billion being spent through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which he describes as a "looting trough" under the guise of bursaries and projects. "If we remove corruption and use our resources responsibly, we could create a system that delivers free, quality education for every Kenyan child," he stated.
Kigame also points to the fact that parents and students continue to bear the financial burden of education despite the government's funding. He argues that the current allocation could cover the true cost of education, but due to inefficiencies, students are still forced to pay extra fees, sell property, or take loans to afford school fees. His message resonates with many Kenyans who have seen firsthand how corruption siphons off vital resources from the public education system.
Breaking Down the Cost of Education in Kenya
Kigame elaborates on the estimated unit costs of education across various levels, shedding light on how the government can substantially reduce spending while providing quality education. The key components involved in calculating the unit cost of education include:
Teacher Salaries: A large portion of the education budget goes to compensating educators. This expenditure can be optimized through better planning and resource allocation.
Instructional Materials: Textbooks, laboratory supplies, and other learning resources constitute a significant cost for the government and parents alike.
Operational Expenses: Schools incur substantial costs for utilities, maintenance, and administrative staff.
Boarding Facilities: For schools offering accommodation, additional costs related to food and housing add to the total expenditure.
Kigame argues that if the government were to allocate resources prudently, the total cost of educating a primary school child would be approximately KSh 5,000 per year, which is far less than what is currently spent. At secondary school level, the total cost would be about KSh 27,000 per student annually, while the cost for university education would be around KSh 160,000 per student per year. For the 2023/2024 academic year, the total cost for primary, secondary, and university education in Kenya stands at KSh 298.75 billion, much lower than the current government allocation of KSh 656.6 billion.
Eliminating Corruption for Sustainable Change
Kigame emphasizes that the extra KSh 352 billion that is misappropriated could be used to improve the country’s infrastructure and build the needed classrooms, particularly in rural and underserved areas. "With an additional KSh 95 billion, we could solve the classroom shortage problem and build new schools in marginalized areas. The resources are available; it’s just a matter of ensuring they are used for their intended purpose," said Kigame.
He also calls for a comprehensive audit of the education sector, including schools and semi-autonomous government agencies (SAGAs), to ensure that public funds are being spent wisely. "We need the Auditor General to step in and conduct a thorough audit to root out inefficiencies, waste, and corruption. We can no longer afford to ignore the systemic issues that are holding our country back," he added.
A Call for Policy Reform
Kigame has called on the government to increase allocations where necessary, particularly in areas such as university education, where the current allocation of KSh 71.9 billion is insufficient. He believes that increasing the university education budget to KSh 92.65 billion would make higher education free for all students, thus eliminating the need for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), which he views as an unnecessary administrative cost.
He also proposes that funds currently allocated for science and innovation be redirected towards building more schools in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), where many children still learn under trees or in makeshift classrooms. "The amount currently set aside for research and innovation can be used to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of where they come from. We must close the gap between urban and rural education," he stated.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Corruption-Free, Education-Driven Kenya
Kigame’s message is clear: with proper management, Kenya can provide free, quality education to all children without the need for excessive taxation or the current crippling burden on parents. He urges the government to act with integrity, accountability, and transparency in managing public funds for education. “The future of our nation lies in the education of our children. If we invest wisely, eliminate corruption, and work together, we can build a system that works for every Kenyan, regardless of their background or location,” he concluded.
Kigame’s call for a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector resonates with many Kenyans, particularly those who have seen the hardships their children face in accessing quality education. It is a call for action, urging the government to prioritize its citizens' welfare over corruption and inefficiency.
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