Ex ODM Party Official, now current CS for National Treasury John Mbadi has once again come under sharp scrutiny and criticism from Kenyans.
This follows the emergence of reports that the Kenyan government intends to do away with free education in public primary and secondary schools, while at the same time implementing a payrise for top government officials, including Mbadi himself.
The news has sparked debate across the country, with many questioning how the government can afford to increase salaries for senior leaders while claiming it cannot sustain funding for basic education.
Parents, teachers and education groups have raised alarm as public schools continue to suffer from lack of enough capitation. In many areas, learners are sharing desks, lack textbooks, and some are forced to learn under trees. Headteachers say they are struggling to run schools without proper government support.
“It is total madness to declare that funding education is unsustainable, while simultaneously committing public resources to the following,” a widely shared post read.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi gestures during a past meeting. Photo: John Mbadi Source: Facebook
The post went on to list what it called wasteful spending, including the rise in State House spending from KSh 4.2 billion to KSh 11.7 billion, renovations of presidential lodges, weekly disbursement of over KSh 100 million to an empowerment programme, construction of a KSh 1.2 billion church on public land, and funds sent to non-existent schools.
It also mentioned money used to airlift MPs for political meetings, and the growing trend of using public money to win political support.
Before his appointment, John Mbadi was known as a vocal critic of government excess. As ODM Party Chairman, he strongly opposed poor spending decisions and defended the need to protect public resources. However, since joining the Cabinet, some feel he has gone silent on the same issues he once fought.
The government’s move has left many asking if education is still a priority. As debate continues, questions remain on whether the decision to reduce education funding is truly about budget challenges or simply a shift in priorities.