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Boniface Mwangi: My children go to private schools because public institutions are underfunded
11th February, 2026 10:13 AM
Presidential hopeful and human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has defended his recent remarks on banning private schools, saying his comments were part of a wider discussion on reforming Kenya’s education system.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Mwangi addressed the backlash that followed his earlier declaration that he would abolish all private schools if elected president. He insisted that his proposal is aimed at fixing what he described as deep-rooted problems in public education.
Mwangi admitted that his own children currently attend private schools. He explained that he made that decision because many public schools are underfunded, poorly managed and in a run-down state. However, he maintained that this is exactly what he hopes to change if allowed to lead the country.
According to Mwangi, his vision is to properly fund public education and ensure that all schools meet the same standards. He said classrooms, libraries, laboratories and computer labs should be well-equipped across the country.
“My children attend private schools because public schools are underfunded, mismanaged, and run down. As president, I shall properly fund education and standardise all schools in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, and most importantly, employ enough teachers, and pay them well,” he said.
He also stressed the need to employ enough teachers and pay them better, arguing that quality education depends on a well-supported teaching workforce.
Mwangi said his earlier remarks about banning private schools were taken out of context. He noted that his comments were part of a broader conversation about the urgent reforms needed in the education sector.
‘That quote was part of a bigger conversation and explained what needs to be done to fix our education,” Mwangi said.
Ban on private schools
Speaking in an interview on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mwangi said Kenya should scrap private schools and instead strengthen public institutions by making education completely free. He argued that learning in the country should be fully funded by the government, from kindergarten all the way to university.
“This country should not have private schools. It should only have public schools, fully funded by the government. No one should pay for education from kindergarten to university,” Mwangi said.
He also stated that apart from free education, healthcare should also be provided at no cost. According to him, no Kenyan should struggle to raise money for treatment, as an educated and healthy population is key to development.
“No one should be forced to sell their cow or their land to get healthcare. Healthcare should be free because the moment you educate a populist, and they are healthy, they will produce,” Mwangi added.
