President William Ruto has announced a Ksh12 million donation towards education and church development while attending the funeral of Mzee Patrick Baikilanya in Igembe North, Meru County.

Speaking on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Head of State pledged Ksh10 million for the construction of classrooms at Ngiriana School and a further Ksh2 million for the renovation of a local church, saying investment in education remains central to the government’s agenda of creating equal opportunities for all children.

The president made the announcements while attending the burial of Patrick M’Anaiba Baikilanya, the father of Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu M’Anaiba, in Meru County.

Education key to equality

Addressing mourners, Ruto said education remains the most powerful tool for creating equal opportunities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to increasing investment in the sector.

“Hatutaki mtoto hata moja awachwe nyuma kwa mambo ya Masomo Na ndio sababu hiyo tunazidi na kuongeza pesa kwa masomo ya watoto .Kwa sababu masomo ndio inatuletea usawa kati ya mtoto wa tajiri na mtoto wa maskini ,mtoto wa rais,mtoto wa mama mboga wanakuwa sawa wakienda shule .that is how we create equity and equality,” Ruto said.

“Together with these Members of Parliament, we have continued increasing funding for education. In 2022, the allocation stood at about Ksh500 billion, and last year it rose to Ksh700 billion ,currently it is Ksh784 billion for this year because we want every child in Kenya to access quality education,” he added.

The president then announced a Ksh10 million donation to Ngiriana School to support the construction of additional classrooms.

“I am giving Ngiriana School Ksh10 million to build classrooms. Build them good classes, and the time I will come here , I will come back to inspect the work,” he said.

Church receives Ksh2 million

Ruto also recognised the late Baikilanya’s commitment to the church, describing him as a devoted Christian who consistently supported the congregation.

He said the church deserved support in honour of the deceased’s contribution to the faith community.

“The late Mzee was a committed church member who was always among the first to attend services. As I leave here today, I will give Bishop Ksh2 million so that you can renovate it,” the president announced.

Development agenda

The president reiterated that education remains one of the government’s top priorities, saying sustained investment in schools will equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their lives and contribute to national development.

His remarks come as the government continues implementing programmes aimed at expanding access to education through increased funding, classroom construction and infrastructure development across the country.

The ceremony brought together political leaders, family members, friends and residents who paid their last respects to the late patriarch, whom the legislator had described as a man of integrity, humility and unwavering faith whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.