Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has now taken issue with the government for cutting capitation funds to primary and secondary schools, insisting that free basic education is a right, not a favor.
While speaking in Kiharu on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Nyoro strongly defended the right of every Kenyan child to access free primary education. He argued that this is not a gift from any individual or government, but a constitutional guarantee owed to all school-going children.
Nyoro, who has grown increasingly vocal since his removal as chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, stressed the critical role education plays in shaping human capital. He said education strengthens the workforce and drives economic growth, adding that across many economic models, knowledge and learning are key drivers of national progress.
He firmly warned against any attempts to undermine or roll back the free primary education program.
“Free primary education is a right for every school-going child in Kenya; it is not a privilege from any benefactor. It’s a right, and it’s education that polishes human capital, adds value to human capital and the labour force, and helps economies to grow. In many economic models, education and acquisition of knowledge are two of the factors that catapult economies forward. We are not going to allow anyone to play around with free primary education,” Nyoro said.
Nyoro Calls Out Contradictory Gov’t Messaging
Nyoro also condemned the conflicting statements coming from officials within the government, saying the mixed messaging only adds to public confusion. He remarked that if leaders were intent on misleading Kenyans, the least they could do was coordinate their messaging instead of sending out contradictory narratives.
He described it as disheartening to watch the free basic education program – championed by the late President Mwai Kibaki – now being quietly eroded. Nyoro stressed that education remains the greatest equalizer among Kenyan households and a cornerstone for the country’s long-term development.
“It is appalling to see people from the same government giving contradictory statements around the same subject,” he said. “Even if you wanted to lie to Kenyans, you could have called for a meeting to harmonise the lie.”
“All of us as leaders and as parents have found it very disappointing that the free basic education that came to Kenya during the reign of Mwai Kibaki is now being annihilated, and I want to address this specifically as an MP for Kiharu. Education is the equaliser for all the households in Kenya; it’s education ambayo Mungu ametupea,” he added.
