By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
In a significant move underscoring the government’s commitment to education, the sector has emerged as the top beneficiary in Kenya’s national budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, receiving an unprecedented allocation of Ksh 656.6 billion.
This announcement was made by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u during the budget reading on Thursday. The new allocation marks an increase from the Ksh 628.6 billion earmarked for education in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
A major portion of this substantial budget, totaling Ksh 358.2 billion, has been allocated to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Within this, Ksh 13.3 billion is dedicated to transitioning junior secondary school teachers to permanent and pensionable status, and Ksh 1.3 billion is allocated for teacher training under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Free Primary and Secondary Education Programme stands to benefit from Ksh 71.5 billion, while Junior Secondary School Capitation has been allotted Ksh 30 billion.
However, the school feeding programme, which saw a budget of Ksh 5 billion last year, has experienced a reduction to Ksh 3 billion.
Furthermore, Ksh 5 billion has been proposed to cover examination fee waivers, easing the financial burden on students and their families.
An additional Ksh 6 billion has been earmarked for the development of infrastructure in primary and secondary schools, ensuring improved learning environments.
In the realm of technology and innovation, ICT integration in schools will receive Ksh 150 million, reflecting the government’s focus on modernizing education.
Research, science, technology, and innovation are set to receive Ksh 700 million, fostering advancements in these critical areas.
University education is also a significant winner, with an allocation of Ksh 71.9 billion. Of this, Ksh 62.8 billion is designated for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and other scholarships, enhancing support for higher education students.
This budget reflects a robust investment in education, aiming to bolster the quality and accessibility of education across Kenya, from primary schools to universities.