The government has allocated Ksh60 billion to the education sector to cover the education of all children in Kenya, President William Ruto has said.
The President said the government is committed to ensuring education is inclusive, accessible and affordable to all.
He pointed out that education is the greatest equaliser and multiplier of opportunities in Kenya.
“We will, therefore, continuously allocate our resources to the education and training of our human capital,” he said.
Speaking during the 5th Graduation ceremony of Garissa University on Thursday, the President said KSh18 billion has been allocated to hire Junior School intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
He also said KSh52 billion has been set aside for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to give scholarships and loans to students, especially from vulnerable families, and thus ensure that no one is left behind.
Additionally, he said funds have been made available for the school feeding programme. He explained that students, who would otherwise drop out of school due lack of food at home, will benefit, and especially those in arid and semi-arid regions.
President Ruto urged members of Parliament to expedite the passing of Finance Bill 2024 to unlock these funds.
The President said the new university funding model has enhanced access to higher education.
For ongoing university and TVET students, the President said the government has made available an extra KSh4 billion extra to ensure that they are adequately catered for.
President Ruto said the government is investing in expanding infrastructure in northern Kenya to unlock the region’s potential.
He said the government is building resilient agriculture in ASAL regions to promote nutrition, expand manufacturing, boost value-addition capacity and create employment opportunities.
“Unleashing the immense economic potential in these areas, particularly in agriculture, livestock and energy, is critical for Kenya’s economic transformation,” he said.
The President said the government is committed to making Garissa University a premium institution of higher learning that will attract students across the country and the globe.
He commended the institution’s determination, resilience and triumph following the terrorist attack in April 2015.
“The history of this university is an inspiring account of progress amid difficulty, triumph against daunting challenges and success in the face of risks and threats,” he said.
The President asked the institution to pursue innovation in solar and wind power in line with the global climate action plan and give priority to renewable energy, and at the same time address the energy needs of the region.
He said the government will streamline the issuance of government documents in the northern region, citing national identification cards and passports, to ease access to government services and other opportunities.
At the same time, President Ruto said the government is keen on fostering inclusive growth that will ensure no one is left behind.
“We will spare no effort in making sure that we build a truly inclusive Kenya that leaves no village, no sub-county and no county behind. We are all going to move together,” he said.
Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for the Garissa University Administration Block and also commissioned the Garissa University borehole.
The President also laid a commemorative wreath in honour of the 148 students who died during the Garissa University attack in 2015.
Cabinet Secretaries Ezekiel Machogu and Aden Duale, Garissa Governor Nathif Adam, MPs and MCAs were present.