On February 1, 2026, former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i launched a sharp attack on the Kenyan government’s spending priorities.
Speaking at an event in Murang’a County, Matiang’i questioned the annual allocation of Sh7 billion to State House, arguing that such funds could address critical shortages in the education sector.
“We have enough money to put our children back in school,” Matiang’i declared. “What do you do with Sh7 billion yearly at State House? Na sio shule ama hospitali. Ndio maana watoto wetu wanakosa school capitation.”
His remarks, delivered in a mix of English and Kiswahili, highlighted how misplaced priorities are leaving many Kenyan children without adequate school funding, known as capitation grants, which support free primary and secondary education.
As a prominent Jubilee Presidential aspirant eyeing the 2027 elections, Matiang’i emphasized that Kenya possesses sufficient resources to fund education properly but suffers from poor allocation and potential mismanagement.
He accused the current administration of allowing schools to struggle while high-level expenditures continue unchecked.
The comments, widely shared by outlets like Daily Nation and opposition-aligned platforms, have reignited debates on fiscal responsibility, education funding, and governance.
Matiang’i’s critique underscores growing opposition calls for reallocating resources toward essential services like schools and hospitals rather than elite institutions.
Author: Bashirjuma
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