PRESIDENT RUTO REFUTES GACHAGUA 'S AND MBADI'S ALLEGATIONS OF REDUCTION IN EDUCATION CAPITATION.

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free basic education, just hours after former DP Rigathi Gachagua accused him of diverting education funds.

Speaking during a service at St. Martin's ACK Church in Kariobangi on Sunday, Ruto defended his government's track record, insisting that access to quality education remains a constitutional right and a national priority.

“I want to assure all Kenyans that free primary and secondary education is guaranteed in our Constitution,” he said. “Over the past two years, we’ve implemented various programs to make education more accessible, affordable, and relevant for all learners.”

The President cited key milestones achieved under his leadership, including the construction of 23,000 new classrooms across the country to help decongest learning spaces, especially in urban areas. He noted that Nairobi MPs alone had received Ksh1 billion to support this effort.

In higher education, Ruto highlighted reforms in the university funding model aimed at increasing financial support for students. He also pointed to the recruitment of 76,000 teachers over the past two years, with a pledge to hire an additional 24,000 by January 2026.

On teacher welfare, he referenced the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), which will see teachers' salaries increased by between 6% and 29%.

“We cannot afford to compromise on education — not on access, not on quality, not on relevance, and certainly not on affordability,” he declared. “Education remains the greatest tool for empowerment.”

Ruto’s remarks follow damning allegations from Gachagua, who, while on a tour in the United States, claimed that funds earmarked for education were being misappropriated and channeled through the National Intelligence Service (NIS) directly to the presidency.

“Every Friday, money meant for education is withdrawn in cash from the Treasury via the NIS and delivered to the President,” Gachagua alleged, sparking a political storm.

The controversy erupted after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced a reduction in capitation funds to schools due to budgetary constraints. Under the new rates, government support for secondary school students will fall to Ksh16,900 per child from the previous Ksh22,244.

Mbadi explained that the capitation grant for primary learners remains at Ksh1,420, while junior secondary students will receive Ksh15,042. He acknowledged the strain on the national budget, stating that adjustments would be considered if revenue collection improves.

Despite the financial challenges, President Ruto maintained that his administration would not relent in its mission to make education a cornerstone of Kenya’s development.