Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has criticised the government for what he described as misplaced spending priorities, accusing it of sidelining the education sector in favour of political convenience and unnecessary expenditures.

Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at Kiaguthu Boys High School in Murang’a County, Nyoro directed his criticism at the Treasury and the executive over ongoing delays in the disbursement of capitation funds to schools.

He warned that the prolonged funding delays were pushing educational institutions – and their leadership – to the edge.

“The government is trying to come and absolve themselves that they support free education,” he said. “What we are telling you is – don’t tell us, just send the money.”

Nyoro emphasised that education is a fundamental right and expressed concern that current budgetary allocations do not reflect this reality. He noted that while schools are grappling with rising operational costs, the government continues to allocate large sums to political functions and other non-essential expenditures.

“Remove the allocations from those many areas – like these renovations, like the confidential fund. Remove the money for political management that we are seeing people spend every weekend – direct that money to capitation,” he stated.

The outspoken legislator accused the government of eroding public trust in free education through contradictory statements and political manoeuvres.

“It is appalling to see people in the same government giving different statements on the same topic,” he said. “Even if it’s a lie, you should have come together to at least harmonise the lie.”

Nyoro urged the government to clear all arrears owed to schools without further delay, warning that failure to do so could result in severe consequences for students.

“The government cannot shift the blame to any other institution – it is the one that makes policy and budgets. The buck stops with the executive,” he added.