President William Ruto has hit back at the opposition over criticism of his administration, saying his government is focused on fixing deep-rooted problems inherited from previous regimes, particularly in the education sector.
Speaking at a public event, President Ruto accused the opposition of presiding over years of mismanagement that left schools understaffed, universities underfunded, and the education system ill-prepared for reforms.
“We are simply fixing your mess,” the President said, arguing that the country’s education system was in crisis when his administration took office.He cited widespread teacher shortages, delayed and inadequate capitation to schools, and chronic underfunding of universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
According to the President, at least 21 public universities were on the brink of closure due to insolvency, while schools lacked sufficient infrastructure to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
President Ruto said his government has since taken several measures to stabilise and reform the sector.
He noted that the government has hired more than 100,000 teachers to address staffing gaps left behind, while over 23,000 new classrooms have been constructed to support the transition to junior and senior secondary schools under the new curriculum.
On school financing, the President said capitation has been increased and, for the first time in years, funds were disbursed before schools reopened this year to ensure uninterrupted learning. He added that the overall education budget has been raised to Sh700 billion, reflecting what he described as the administration’s commitment to education as a key driver of empowerment and economic growth.
In higher education, President Ruto said his government has remodelled university funding and increased allocations to both universities and TVET institutions, helping to rescue struggling institutions from collapse. He added that TVETs are now better equipped and are increasingly offering skills aligned to digital and employment opportunities.
The President dismissed the opposition as lacking a clear agenda or alternative plan, insisting that his administration will remain focused on implementing reforms rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“Education is the greatest empowerment we can give to our children,” President Ruto said, pledging to continue investing in the sector as a foundation for long-term national development.
