Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has called for the immediate introduction of free primary and secondary education, saying rising living costs are making it increasingly difficult for parents to keep their children in school.
In a statement shared on X, the senator said the policy should take effect from the next term, warning that thousands of learners risk dropping out unless urgent action is taken.
Senator Thang’wa argued that education should not become another burden on struggling households, especially at a time when the cost of basic necessities has soared. He cited public commitments by national leaders that no child should be turned away from school due to inability to pay fees, insisting that the government must now act to match words with action.
He also addressed how education support funds and bursaries should be handled if fees are abolished, suggesting that all funds should be channelled directly to schools to ensure smooth operations. According to Thang’wa, existing structures can sustain schools without transferring costs back to parents.
The senator further raised concerns about the state of education funding nationwide, noting that parents continue to face repeated fee demands despite policies such as 100 per cent transition and promises of universal access. He stressed that free education will reduce dropouts, improve equity, and provide every child a fair chance to learn.
Thang’wa’s call comes amid growing public debate over education affordability, as families across Kenya grapple with the combined pressures of school fees, rising food prices, and economic hardship.
