Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has expressed concern over the state of Kenya’s education sector, warning that financial challenges are pushing schools and institutions into a deeper crisis.
Speaking during a rally in Mitunguu, Meru County, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Matiang’i said the country is increasingly struggling to sustain quality education due to funding shortfalls, delayed capitation, and what he described as poor management of education resources.
According to the former Education Cabinet Secretary, dozens of schools across the country have already been forced to close their doors because of mounting operational challenges.
“Saa hii nikizungumza hapa, zaidi ya shule 40 zimefungwa Kenya hii kwa sababu ya shida,” Matiang’i told the gathering.
He noted that many headteachers are facing significant difficulties in running schools due to delays in the disbursement of government capitation funds, which are critical for supporting learning activities, school operations, and student welfare.
Matiang’i also highlighted growing concerns over student financing, warning that increasing loan defaults could further strain the country's higher education system and limit access to learning opportunities for future generations.
The former CS argued that education remains one of the most important pillars of national development and should receive adequate funding and policy attention. He called on the government to prioritize the sector and ensure schools receive resources on time to avoid disruptions to learning.
His remarks come amid ongoing debate about the state of education in Kenya, with stakeholders raising concerns over school funding, infrastructure challenges, teacher shortages, and the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
As political leaders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, education is emerging as a key issue, with calls for reforms aimed at improving access, quality, and sustainability across all levels of learning.
