Free basic education is a standing policy, PS Bitok

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all Kenyan children have access to quality education, with education stakeholders announcing major investments and plans to bolster learning outcomes across the country.

Speaking at Ortum Boys High School during the school's Annual General Meeting and launch of its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Ambassador prof Julius Bitok revealed that, for the first time in Kenya’s history, the government has allocated Sh702 billion to the education sector.

“This is the highest investment ever made in education,” said Prof Bitok. “We have already employed 76,000 teachers and by January next year, an additional 24,000 will be hired to meet the growing demand.”

He noted that the government remains committed to the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which he described as a "heavy but essential" system designed to equip learners with relevant skills.

 “Free primary and secondary education is still a standing policy. The government has not changed this, and every child has a right to education under Article 53 of the Constitution,” he said.

In West Pokot County, Prof Bitok confirmed that schools have received their capitation funds and urged administrators to ensure the money is used prudently to enhance infrastructure and learning facilities.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, who also spoke at the event, highlighted his administration’s efforts in improving the education sector at the county level.

“We have allocated KSh 500 million to support education for over 52,000 learners. This includes bursaries and school infrastructure development,” said Governor Kachapin. “We are calling upon all school heads to utilize these funds effectively to create a better learning environment for our children.”

Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang, who hails from the region, emphasised the government's broader agenda of improving the lives of ordinary citizens through key investments in education and health.

“The government is focused on transforming the lives of the common mwananchi. Education is the foundation, and I urge parents to take their children to school so that we can reduce illiteracy and poverty levels in our communities,” said Arumonyang.

Leaders present included West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai, and several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), all of whom praised the government’s support for education and pledged to continue championing access to quality learning in the region.

MP Moroto reiterated the importance of education in transforming marginalized communities. “Education is the key to development. We must ensure no child is left behind due to lack of school fees or basic infrastructure,” he said.

The event marked a major milestone for Ortum Boys High School, which unveiled a five-year roadmap aimed at academic excellence, infrastructure expansion, and student welfare programs. Parents and other stakeholders were encouraged to actively support the school’s vision.