MPs Restore Free Primary Education, Free Secondary and JSS Budget
The National Assembly has reinstated critical funding for key education sectors that had initially faced a severe reduction of Sh23.1 billion due to proposed austerity measures.
Chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, the Budget and Appropriations Committee revised the overall budget, reducing it by Sh10.1 billion from Sh156.4 billion to Sh146.3 billion for the fiscal year 2024/25.
Despite the overall cuts, essential areas such as free day secondary education, free primary education, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) have been preserved from rationalization, as highlighted in a report tabled by Budget and Appropriations Committee member Peter Masara on Tuesday.
Increases in Basic Education Funding
In a significant policy shift, the Basic Education budget will increase by Sh14.3 billion, reaching Sh131.2 billion, in contrast to a previously proposed cut of Sh14.93 billion. This budget includes:
- Free Primary Education: Sh11.98 billion
- Free Day Secondary Education: Sh2.4 billion
- National Examinations and Assessments: Sh5 billion
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The allocation for national examinations and assessments covers almost 3.5 million learners in Grades Three, Six, and Form Four, with Sh1.9 billion earmarked for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Sh3.1 billion for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
MPs Restore Free Primary Education, Free Secondary and JSS Budget
