Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended himself over recent comments that cast doubt on the sustainability of the government’s free education programme, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted and directed at Parliament, not the public.

Speaking at a rally in Nyatike, Migori County, on Saturday, Mbadi said his statements were meant to urge lawmakers to increase education funding, not to warn parents about possible reintroduction of school fees.

“I was speaking to policymakers. I was speaking to members of Parliament who approve the budget,” he said. “I told them we must enhance the budget for capitation so that every child receives 22,000 shillings. What we have in the budget today is less than 22,000.”

Mbadi reiterated that while fiscal constraints remain, parents should not be alarmed.

“If you want me to lie to Kenyans, I am not ready to lie to Kenyans,” he said. “We must budget so that every child is supported as the policy says.”

His remarks come amid concern over the government’s reduced capitation per learner, which has dropped from Sh22,000 to approximately Sh17,000 annually. Stakeholders have warned the shortfall could strain public schools and lower learning standards.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the funding deficit is not unique to the current administration, attributing it to long-standing systemic issues.

“This has been happening from the time of [former President Uhuru Kenyatta]. We don’t want schools to accumulate debts the same way universities have been accumulating debts,” he said.

He urged Parliament to work with the Treasury to secure adequate funding: “We must work with Parliament to make sure that we have enough money to run our schools.”

Mbadi assured parents that the government has no intention of shifting the education cost burden onto them.

“Don’t create panic among parents. Parents are not supposed to pay fees, and we are not going to allow parents to pay fees. We will make money available to support them. That is what I said,” he added.

The controversy began on Thursday when Mbadi, appearing before a Parliamentary committee, stated that the cost of free education had become too heavy for the State to sustain, suggesting that parents may have to contribute more.

Clarifying his position in a Friday address, Mbadi maintained that while education remains a priority, current resources cannot meet the full student cost – a reality he said some leaders have ignored.

On Sunday, President William Ruto reaffirmed the government’s dedication to free, quality education during a church service at ACK St Martin’s Light Industries Church in Kariobangi, Nairobi.

“I assure you that the access and quality of education cannot be compromised,” the President said, adding that his administration remains committed to delivering affordable, inclusive, and relevant education for all Kenyan children.