Elachi blames MPs for schools funding row
By David Nthua, July 29, 2025Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has blamed legislators for the current education crisis in the country, where the majority of public schools are struggling financially.
Speaking to a local TV station on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the outspoken ODM MP revealed that it is the MPs who erred for failing to read the policy statement keenly that requires capitation to be Ksh22,000 and not what principals have been receiving, which is Ksh16,000 with Ksh6,000 withheld.
Why CS John Mbadi is innocent
Elachi defended Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, saying he had already done his part by releasing the funds that Parliament had approved.
“CS Mbadi has been able to release the capitation monies that we have passed in Parliament. But as Parliament, we have failed on our part for not scrutinising policy statements properly to ensure that when budget statements come, they align with the policy statements,” Elachi said.
The MP explained that the law requires capitation per student to be Ksh22,000 as outlined in policy documents. However, this is not what is happening on the ground and the difference has affected schools badly.
Her comments come at a time when hundreds of principals have raised alarm over poor funding and delays in receiving school money. Some schools have been forced to send students home due to a lack of food and basic learning materials.
MPs urged to take responsibility
Elachi said MPs must take responsibility for not questioning budget documents carefully. She said that Parliament should not just pass figures without checking whether they follow the policy framework.
“Let us not blame the Ministry alone when we are the ones who passed budgets without comparing them to the policy documents” she added.
Her statement comes amid growing public pressure on the government to address the financial crisis in public schools and ensure learners are not disrupted again.
So far, the Ministry of Education has not responded officially to the fresh concerns raised by lawmakers.