West Pokot leaders oppose capitation cuts, say poor learners will suffer
Rift Valley
By
Irissheel Shanzu
| Jul 28, 2025
A group of leaders from West Pokot County has criticised the government's decision to cut education capitation, arguing that move undermines the principle of free education.
They said that the decision by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi would have a significant negative impact on children in marginalised and semi-arid regions, hindering access to education for children from poor families.
These leaders emphasised that many parents in their regions have not fully embraced formal education and require encouragement to send their children to school.
They are now urging the government to reverse its decision to protect learning opportunities in underserved areas.
The leaders pointed to ongoing challenges such as drought and hunger, which have made it difficult for parents to afford school fees.
READ MORE
How Kenyan banks are losing billions to fraud
Why US ballooning public debt is a key concern for Kenya
Nairobi Expressway contractor to shoulder Sh6.9b tax bill
KEBS on the spot over plans to engage firm to validate vehicle importation papers
Call for business leaders to adopt AI for increased productivity
Tata Chemicals to pause Kenya operations for major upgrade
Mombasa port maintains grip as key hub for Uganda
Safaricom Hook holds training forums for youth in Western Kenya
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong stated, "Many children will drop out of school because they depend on bursaries and support from well-wishers. In this region, many families can't even afford food and rely on relief aid. Asking them to pay school fees is a heavy burden."
The MP described the funding cut as a significant setback for both parents and learners in the region, adding, "Kenya is not the same everywhere. In some areas, chiefs still mobilise children to go to school, and they rely on donations for shoes, uniforms, textbooks, and exercise books."
He urged the government to ensure education is free, particularly at the primary level, to guarantee that children in pastoral areas receive basic education.
"Learners from this region deserve special consideration. The government must prioritise education in hardship areas," he added.
The legislator also suggested that certain individuals within the government might be deliberately attempting to sabotage key education programs.
"We've had free education since 2003. Removing it during President Ruto's tenure poses a major challenge. The relevant ministries must find a way to fund education," he said.
His Kapenguria counterpart, Samuel Moroto, challenged the Treasury to improve revenue collection, which he believes is affecting capitation funding.
"The problem lies in corruption and poor revenue collection. As Parliament, we should review unnecessary expenses, such as tea and bread in government offices. Meanwhile, private schools are lobbying for cuts in public education funding to increase their own profits," he said.
Dr Moroto also noted that Kenya is facing tough economic times following Gen Z-led protests that halted the 2024–2025 Finance Bill. "We hope things will normalise in the 2025–2026 financial year," he stated.
West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor echoed these concerns, saying that despite recent progress, education in the region still faces numerous challenges.
"It's only now that our people are beginning to embrace education. If the government reduces funding, only children from wealthy families will remain in school while the poor will be left behind," he remarked.
"During campaigns, we promised free education. Reducing capitation means that parents with multiple children will suffer. Even university students are struggling due to high living costs," Murgor added.
He also expressed concern over cuts to the West Pokot County bursary fund, noting that many needy learners would be affected.
"Our governor had pledged to provide Sh25,000 to every student. This amount has now been reduced to Sh15,000 for secondary school students and from Sh11,000 to Sh5,000 for day scholars. Funding for learners studying outside the county has also been slashed, leaving them in limbo," he explained.
The leaders made these remarks during the opening of two classrooms at Lukoi Primary School in the Kong’elai area.