Parents in Kiharu Constituency are breathing a sigh of relief as their children's school fees have been slashed to just Ksh500 per term.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro on Tuesday launched the Kiharu Masomo Bora 2026 Edition, a revolutionary education programme targeting over 12,000 learners across all 65 day secondary schools.
The ambitious initiative will see students pay only Ksh500 per term, a significant reduction from the thousands parents have been forced to part with in recent years.
Speaking at Maragi Primary School Grounds, Nyoro criticized the government's inadequate funding to learning institutions, which has forced schools into crippling debt and parents into financial distress.
"The money you sent to our learning institutions, Ksh26 billion, they already had a debt of Ksh25.5 billion, and therefore the money for first term is only Ksh3.5 billion," Nyoro stated.
He challenged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to verify his calculations, adding that the allocation translates to just Ksh109 per learner, an amount insufficient to run schools effectively.
Under the programme, learners will be provided with a daily lunch throughout the week, including Saturdays, with githeri served on three days, rice on another three days, and porridge offered during the tea break.
Every last Friday of the month, students will enjoy chapati for lunch, ensuring no child goes hungry during school hours.
The MP has set aside Ksh10 million for revision materials in the current financial year, adding to the Ksh20 million previously allocated for academic resources in past years.
Infrastructure development will receive over Ksh50 million, with special focus on constructing and equipping science laboratories to enhance practical learning in the schools.
Students joining Grade 10 in 20 identified schools with low enrollment will receive free uniforms, while all 65 schools get an additional Ksh50,000 for co-curricular activities.
Nyoro also criticised parliament for failing to challenge the government on education matters, saying there is no effective opposition scrutinising policies affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“Now as you know, there is no parliament in the country of Kenya. There is no Opposition, no one speaks out on matters that affect the common man. And we told them not to increase school fees, and they thought it was a game,” stressed Nyoro.
The programme extends to all learners, including those from other parts of Kenya studying in Kiharu day secondary schools.
