Sabina Chege speaks out on reports govt will not sustain free education
By David Nthua, July 25, 2025Hon Sabina Chege, a Jubilee Party-nominated MP who supports President William Ruto, on Friday, July 25 2025, during an exclusive interview with K24 TV, responded to reports that the Kenyan government plans to stop offering free education in primary and secondary schools.
In a rare and honest moment, Sabina spoke more like an ordinary Kenyan than a politician. She did not seem to care about political sides or loyalty. Her words came from the heart.
She said that the Education Committee in Parliament had not yet brought any recommendations about the issue. She promised that next week, lawmakers would raise the matter in Parliament.
“We need to ask the Minister to come and explain. But explanation alone is not enough. We need a solution. This is not about whether you are in government or in opposition. This is about the future. This is about the education of our children and our country,” Sabina Chege said.
Mbadi’s justification
Her statement came just one day after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi appeared before the National Assembly Budget Committee on July 24. He said the government was no longer able to support free basic education in full.
He explained that the number of students had grown and the country was facing financial challenges. He also said that funding for secondary school students would be reduced from 22,244 shillings to 16,900 shillings per child.
Mbadi added that each primary school learner currently receives 1,420 shillings, while junior secondary learners get 15,042 shillings. Senior secondary learners get 22,244 shillings.
Sabina’s voice stood out. It was clear and full of concern. She asked her fellow MPs to put politics aside and focus on finding a real answer. Many Kenyans who watched her felt that for once, a leader had spoken for the people without fear or favour.