Nairobi: The government has committed to strengthening the education sector through increased funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced teacher recruitment as part of efforts to provide every Kenyan learner with access to quality and inclusive education.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki announced that the government has allocated Sh784.5 billion to the education sector in the 2026/2027 financial year, marking the largest allocation in the national budget. This funding is intended to support the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), digital learning, school infrastructure, and equitable access to education.
In a speech read on his behalf by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the 40th anniversary and annual prize-giving ceremony of St. George’s Girls Secondary School in Nairobi, Kindiki emphasized that education remains the country’s greatest investment and the foundation for sustainable national development. He also conveyed President William Ruto’s congratulations to the school community for their four decades of academic excellence, resilience, and distinguished service to the nation.
Kindiki stressed the importance of education as a national investment, stating, “Every classroom we build, every teacher we recruit, and every learner we support is an investment in Kenya’s long-term prosperity.” He highlighted the government’s efforts in implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) to foster creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, investments in digital infrastructure are being made to prepare learners for the modern economy.
The Deputy President further explained that the government is implementing interventions under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to strengthen food security, affordable healthcare, housing, digital transformation, and job creation, ensuring that young people graduate into a society with greater opportunities. Despite achieving a 98.5 percent primary school completion rate for girls, Kindiki acknowledged that completion at the lower secondary level remains at 84.4 percent due to challenges such as poverty, teenage pregnancy, and other social barriers. The government plans to continue supporting affirmative action programs, scholarships, and the re-entry policy for adolescent mothers to ensure every girl has the opportunity to complete her education.
Kindiki praised St. George’s Girls Secondary School for its contributions to girls’ education since its establishment in 1986. He commended the school for producing thousands of women who have excelled in various fields, including education, healthcare, law, business, science, technology, and public service. He also acknowledged the school’s support for vulnerable learners through the Girl Child Trust Fund and partnerships with the government and development partners, emphasizing that no deserving learner should be left behind.
Following the delivery of the Deputy President’s speech, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba called on parents to take a more active role in raising their children, particularly in light of recent cases of unrest in some schools. He emphasized the need for collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community to nurture responsible and disciplined learners. Ogamba also announced the government’s plans to provide resources for the construction of additional facilities at St. George’s Girls Secondary School, including a multipurpose hall, additional classrooms, and workshops to support Competency-Based Education.
Teachers Service Commission Chairman Dr. Jamleck Muturi praised St. George’s Girls for maintaining academic excellence over the past four decades and described the anniversary as the beginning of an even greater chapter for the institution. He urged parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to work together in molding learners’ character, emphasizing that academic achievement without values would not produce responsible citizens.
Muturi also addressed teacher welfare, noting that the government has employed over 100,000 teachers, promoted more than 270,000 teachers, and plans to advertise the promotion of over 34,000 teachers next week. He assured the school that the Teachers Service Commission would collaborate with the Ministry of Education to address the staffing gap, stating that a motivated teacher is key to improving learning outcomes and sustaining academic excellence.
The ceremony brought together education stakeholders, parents, alumni, students, and government officials to celebrate the school’s 40-year contribution to girls’ education and recognize outstanding academic performers.
