Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has declared that the government will not pay the Sh64 billion owed to public schools in unremitted capitation funds, a stark contrast to his earlier demands for full funding while in the opposition.
According to Business Daily Africa on March 1, Mbadi defended the government’s position, stating that Kenya operates on a cash-based budget and that funds not disbursed within a financial year cannot be paid later.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi during a past political rally. Photo: John Mbadi Source: Facebook
“It was budgeted for, but if a financial year ends and it’s not paid, there is no money to pay later,” he said.
His stance has sparked criticism, as many recall his vocal opposition to funding delays when he was a key figure in the opposition.
Previously, Mbadi criticized the government for failing to release school funds on time, arguing that withholding capitation was a deliberate attempt to cripple the education sector.
Now, as Treasury CS, he is justifying the same delays he once condemned.
The unpaid funds have left many schools struggling to run operations, with some institutions unable to pay non-teaching staff or provide adequate learning materials.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi. Photo: John Mbadi (Facebook)
School heads have raised concerns over the financial crisis, saying it is leading to increased debt and a decline in education quality.
Parents have also been forced to bear the burden, with some schools increasing fees to compensate for the government’s failure to release full capitation.
However, Mbadi questioned whether schools would refund parents if the government later settled the arrears, suggesting that such payments were unnecessary.
His new position has drawn backlash from education stakeholders and opposition leaders, who accuse him of shifting his views to align with his new role in government.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi. Source: Facebook
Critics argue that the same reasoning he is using now was once dismissed by him as an excuse when made by past Treasury officials.
Despite the backlash, Mbadi insists that the government is committed to funding education, but only within the constraints of the available budget.
