President William Ruto has requested MPs to expedite the passage of the Finance Bill as a means to allow budgetary funding for the education sector.
Speaking during the 5th Graduation ceremony of Garissa University on Thursday, the President cited that the National Assembly needed to expedite the process to build a foundation for children in schools.
He further added that so far the government had allocated Ksh660 Billion to the education sector in the 2024/ 2025 budget estimates, throughout all levels of education.
The President further stated that the allocations made were also inclusive of the hiring of Junior Secondary School teachers, hence the need to okay the bill.
“I am requesting the Members of Parliament who are here to expedite what is in parliament so that we can transit these well-deserving teachers who have been teaching for the last two years and make them permanent and pensionable”.
President Ruto further stated that the government had allocated funds to the school feeding programme which would be in jeopardy if the bill was not passed.
Another notable mention was the government’s new funding model for universities which allocates funding for university students on a needs-based approach.
The President revealed that 80,000 students did not apply for scholarships or funding from the government.
He further applauded the initiative of the parents of these students citing that the patriotic act had enabled the government to offer scholarships to only those who needed the resources.
“I am asking our members of parliament that every child in Kenya deserves a chance and for them to expedite the work they have in parliament to make these loans and scholarships to our children”
The President stated that the budgetary allocations for the Higher Education Loans Board was Ksh62 Billion to offer scholarships and loans to universities.
However, the National Treasury through Cabinet Secretary Njuguna wrote to the National Assembly on Wednesday indicating that proposed amendments to the Finance Bill would lead to a revenue shortfall of Ksh200 billion.
As such the Treasury has warned that it will cut funding to critical sectors including education and internships should the amended Finance Bill be passed by Parliament.
