Nairobi – In a bold shift of spending priorities, Kenya’s government has earmarked a record Sh702.7 billion for education in its 2025/26 national budget—while dramatically cutting funding for agriculture.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the budget to the National Assembly on Wednesday, calling education “the bedrock of our national development.”
“We must invest where the future lies,” he told lawmakers. “This budget speaks to our responsibility to guarantee every child access to quality education.”
The education sector now claims the largest share of government funding, far outpacing other key areas.
Where the Money’s Going
The bulk of the education allocation Sh387.2 billion will go to the Teachers Service Commission. Of that, Sh7.2 billion is earmarked to hire intern teachers, while Sh980 million is set aside for teacher training under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Free education continues to receive support:
- Sh7 billion for Free Primary Education
- Sh28.9 billion for Junior Secondary Capitation
- Sh51.9 billion for Free Day Secondary Education
Other allocations include:
- Sh5.9 billion for national exams
- Sh3 billion for school feeding
- Sh4 billion for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Sh1.7 billion for school infrastructure
Equity programmes also made the cut, with Sh13.3 billion going to improve primary education and Sh2.3 billion set aside to enhance secondary schools.
Higher education wasn’t left behind. The budget includes Sh41.5 billion for student loans via the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), alongside Sh16.9 billion in university scholarships and Sh7.7 billion for TVET learners.
Mbadi said the increased funding reflects a constitutional mandate to provide free and compulsory basic education.
A Blow to Agriculture
In contrast, the agriculture sector has taken a hit, with its funding slashed by over 20 percent—from Sh60.4 billion last year to Sh47.6 billion.
Despite ongoing food security concerns and erratic weather patterns, the sector’s reduced budget includes:
- Sh8 billion for fertiliser subsidies
- Sh10.2 billion for agricultural value chains
- Sh800 million for small-scale irrigation
- Sh1.2 billion for crop diversification and food security
Livestock programmes received:
- Sh2.3 billion for pastoral risk management
- Sh1.6 billion for livestock commercialisation
- Sh280 million for livestock value chains
- Sh340 million for the Leather Industrial Park in Kenanie
The government has also allocated Sh5.8 billion for food systems resilience.
Mixed Reactions
Education stakeholders praised the government’s commitment. “It’s a win for learners and teachers alike,” said Anne Wanjiru, a Nairobi-based education policy analyst. “But we must ensure the funds are used efficiently—especially in implementing CBC, which is still facing teething problems.”
Farmers, however, voiced concern over the agricultural cuts.
“This is a punch to the gut,” said Joseph Ole Nkuruma, a maize farmer in Narok County. “We are the backbone of the economy. Cutting our support while we battle drought and poor yields is short-sighted.”
Budget Priorities or Political Choices?
The shift in funding has raised questions over the government’s long-term strategy. Some economists argue the focus on education is overdue. Others say a more balanced approach is needed to protect food security and rural livelihoods.
“Spending on education is necessary, yes,” said Njeri Karani, an economist at the University of Nairobi. “But undermining agriculture especially when climate shocks are worsening is a risky bet. We need both to grow.”
With the budget now in the hands of Parliament, the weeks ahead will likely see intense debate over what this financial plan truly delivers for ordinary Kenyans.
