Concerns over education reforms and school financing took centre stage in Meru County after Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i raised questions about the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), accusing the government of poor coordination and funding delays.
Addressing congregants at M.C.K Makutano Church, Matiang’i argued that the education system would benefit from stronger administrative leadership, suggesting the creation of a dedicated Principal Secretary to handle curriculum reforms and the transition process.
He maintained that CBC, being a major national programme, requires focused oversight and wider consultation with key stakeholders in the education sector.
Matiang’i also pointed to what he described as delays in disbursing capitation funds to schools, saying the situation was affecting learning conditions and contributing to disciplinary challenges in some institutions.
He warned that many school principals were struggling to manage operations due to limited financial support.
He urged authorities to improve efficiency in education financing and ensure timely release of funds to schools.
“Stop the wastage and channel more resources to schools so that principals have the funds they need to run institutions effectively. Capitation funds should be disbursed to schools without delay; that is a straightforward matter,” said Matiang’i.
He further proposed structural changes within the education ministry, insisting that a specific office should be established to manage curriculum reforms and oversee CBC implementation.
“The government should also appoint a Principal Secretary in charge of curriculum reforms and transition because CBC is a major national programme. We must listen to education stakeholders, principals and church leaders as we implement these reforms,” he added.
In the same event, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya also criticised the current administration, focusing on what he termed excessive taxation on workers.
He said many employees in both public and private sectors were left with reduced take-home pay due to high deductions, arguing that the tax burden was straining households.
“Today, employees in government and the private sector take home only a fraction of their earnings because the rest is consumed by taxes. In some cases, nearly half of a worker’s salary goes to the government. It is placing an unbearable burden on Kenyan workers and families,” said Munya.
The leaders signalled that education funding reforms and tax policy changes would be key priorities should their political formation gain power in future elections.
