Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reaffirmed that education remains his top priority, highlighting its transformative power in personal and national development.

Speaking during an interview on Kameme FM on Friday, March 13, 2026, the legislator drew from his own life story to explain why he places education above all else.

“Mimi mambo na education napatia priority number 1, umbali nimefika ni kwa sababu ya elimu na kama si elimu mimi singekuja Nairobi, Mimi nilikuja Nairobi 2007, kama haingekua elimu pia singekuja UON wala singekua student leader, na singeenda parliament,” Babu Owino said.

He credited his journey from arriving in Nairobi in 2007 to attending the University of Nairobi, becoming a student leader, and eventually entering Parliament to opportunities unlocked through education.

Empathy for struggling families

Babu Owino expressed concern for parents facing financial hardships, noting, “Naona wazazi wanastruggle sana kupata fedha za elimu kila siku kuamkia kazi mbalimbali ili kuelimisha yule mtoto ambaye wanaamini atawatoa kwa hiyo hali siku moja.”

He pledged to ensure students have access to quality education, saying, “Mimi mambo na elimu najitoa sana ili nione ya uwa wanafunzi wamepata elimu bora.”

The MP urged the government to implement free secondary education and timely, increased Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) disbursements, stating, “Ningependelea serikali ihakikishe ya kwamba shule za highschool ziwe free, katika univesity ile helb ipeanwe kwa wakati na iongezwe, ili watoto wetu waweze kusoma.”

Initiatives to support learners

Babu Owino’s advocacy is complemented by practical initiatives. During the KCSE 2025 period, he launched free online mathematics revision classes streamed on Facebook and YouTube every weekend. Covering Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics, the sessions attracted massive engagement, with some classes reaching 26,000 views.

While praised for providing affordable support to resource-limited learners, the initiative faced some criticism over minor errors and motives.

Nonetheless, the tutorials offered a vital lifeline amid widespread challenges in the subject, where many candidates historically score low grades.

Owino’s stance aligns with broader concerns about education affordability in Kenya. With over 400,000 learners missing Grade 10 transitions due to costs, delays in HELB disbursements, and a projected Ksh260 billion deficit in higher education funding for 2026/2027.

His advocacy highlights the need for accessible, quality education as a pathway to breaking poverty cycles and empowering youth nationwide.

During the morning show on Kameme FM, Babu Owino also paid school fees for several students whose parents called in to share their plight.