Education Takes Center Stage in Ksh4.3 Trillion 2025/26 Budget.
The National Assembly Liaison Committee, responsible for reviewing the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the 2025/26 financial year, has instructed two State Departments under the Ministry of Education to complete reports concerning the higher education funding model and the management of TVET instructors.
In a report presented to the National Assembly, the Committee urged the State Department for Higher Education and Research to finalise the revision of the higher education funding model, while the State Department for TVET was tasked with developing guidelines for managing TVET instructors.
Both reports are expected to be completed by June 30. Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara acknowledged that the matter had been raised and noted that the department had been assigned a deadline to address the issue.
This directive followed the National Assembly’s approval of the Ksh4.3 trillion policy on March 12, which allocated Ksh2.5 trillion to the national government—an increase exceeding Ksh200 billion from the previous year’s budget.
Out of this, Ksh2.44 trillion is designated for the Executive, Ksh49.48 billion for Parliament, and Ksh26.75 billion for the Judiciary.
Meanwhile, county governments are set to receive Ksh405.07 billion in equitable share, whereas the Equalisation Fund has been allocated Ksh7.85 billion. Additionally, consolidated fund services will receive just over Ksh1.3 trillion.
Focus on Fiscal Priorities and Public Debt
Expressing support for the endorsements, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah commended the BPS for focusing on essential goods and services while addressing public debt concerns.
He emphasized that the BPS had placed a strong focus on fiscal consolidation to mitigate public debt vulnerabilities while still ensuring resources for essential services.
He further noted that the economy was steadily recovering and stabilising, making this budget particularly significant.
Despite the approvals, MPs voiced concerns regarding the Ksh7.8 billion allocation to the Equalisation Fund, which is intended to address regional disparities.
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Timothy Toroitich argued that the law originally meant to support historically marginalised areas had been modified to benefit regions not initially intended to receive these funds.
Robert Gichimu supported this argument, stating that both geographical distribution and population pressure should be considered when allocating resources.
Prepared by the National Treasury, the BPS outlines policy goals and priorities for the upcoming financial year. It has also mandated all standing committees to assess allocations before the final budget is determined, ensuring that financial resources align with national development objectives.
Education Takes Center Stage in Ksh4.3 Trillion 2025/26 Budget.
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