The Ministry of Education has moved to quell fears that it is abandoning the Free Day Secondary Education Programme, following growing public concern sparked by recent media reports suggesting a policy shift.

In a statement released Saturday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba clarified that the State remains fully committed to offering free and compulsory basic education, as guaranteed under Article 53 of the Constitution.

Ogamba highlighted that on Thursday, July 24, 2025, he, alongside Treasury CS John Mbadi, appeared before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Education to discuss funding for the education sector.

"During the meeting, we highlighted the fact that funding for the Free Day Secondary Education programme has in recent years, fallen below the approved rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year," said Ogamba.

"We indicated that this is due to underfunding in the budget passed by the National Assembly, against a growing enrolment on account of the Government's 100% transition policy."

However, CS Ogamba affirmed that the government has no intention or authority to revoke this constitutional right, and is actively working to resolve the current funding gap.

"Free and compulsory basic education is a constitutional right of every child, pursuant to Article 53 of the Constitution. The Government has neither the intention nor the power to abrogate this sacrosanct right."

He added that both the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury are lobbying Parliament to allocate additional resources to ensure every learner is fully funded.

“The Government will work to fulfil its duty of providing access to quality education for all our children,” the statement read.

The reassurance comes as schools continue to face resource constraints, with education stakeholders urging consistent and full capitation to maintain the gains made in access and equity.

On Friday, July 25, 2025, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the government has no intention of scrapping free education.

Instead, he said, efforts are underway to work with Parliament to address the existing funding shortfalls that affect capitation, national examinations, and other education-related needs.

“I want to assure the country that the policy on free primary and secondary education has not changed. The Government will continue financing education through capitation as it has done over the years,” Bitok said.