Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro wants the government to come clean on school capitation, saying contradicting statements by officials are causing confusion among parents and students.

Ndindi said the government cannot afford to kill free education, which has benefited many.

Speaking during a prize-giving day at Kiaguthu Boys High School in Kahuro Murang’a, the MP said instead of slashing capitation, the government should increase it.

He said capitation was last reviewed about 10 years ago, and since then, inflation has seen the price of commodities go up.

“What we should be addressing is how to increase the capitation to match the cost of living,” he said.

“We don’t care what you intend to do, but the education sector must be given priority and have adequate funds allocated to it,” added Ndindi.

He said the government cannot place an extra burden on parents by raising fees, adding that basic education is a basic right to which every child is entitled.

“Free primary education is a right for every school-going child, and it is not a privilege from any benefactor,” he remarked.

“Education is the equaliser for all households and we cannot allow that advantage to be discarded by those who don’t know its work,” he remarked.

The legislator who served in the National Assembly Budget Committee also demanded that the government release all the money it owes to schools to facilitate smooth learning.

He said the majority of the schools have huge debts which have accrued due to non-remittance of capitation over the years.

“The delayed release of the money has adversely affected learning in schools and is largely compromising the quality of education because there is no money to buy the materials required,” he remarked.

“I am urging the government, if it is indeed committed to continuing with free education, that it should release all the money before reopening for the third term,” he added.

School managers have been crying foul over huge debts which have accrued to Ksh64 billion over the past few years.

Last week, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government is unable to cater for the huge budget for education, which caused an uproar.

However, in a bid to absolve itself from blame, the government, through several officials, sought to recant the statement, maintaining that it will continue to support free basic education.

A number of public schools have been forced to close early due to lack of funds.