John Mbadi’s time as Treasury Cabinet Secretary has attracted criticism, especially over how the government is handling the education sector.
His recent move to reduce secondary school capitation by KSh 5,344 per student has raised concern among parents, teachers, and political leaders.
Many now believe Mbadi is working hand in hand with President Ruto to weaken the education system while money is being shifted to unnecessary luxury spending and ghost projects that do not help ordinary Kenyans.
On July 24, 2025, Mbadi told the National Assembly that the government could no longer sustain free primary education due to a lack of money.
He also said that parents may have to start paying for national examinations like KPSEA and KCSE unless their children are classified as needy.
This follows a KSh 62 billion slash in the education budget, making it hard for schools to operate and increasing pressure on parents to shoulder the costs.
The reality on the ground is that many schools are already broke and struggling to keep basic services running.
The Council of Governors, through CEO Mary Mwiti, condemned Mbadi’s remarks, saying that his comments endanger the futures of children from poor families.
She said education has been the only thing that helps lift many families out of poverty.
Others believe the decisions are not about lack of money, but about the government’s poor priorities.
At the same time, reports have emerged of public funds being sent to ghost schools fake institutions that exist only on paper but receive money meant for real students.
Economist David Ndii said this problem has existed since the Kibaki era and continues today. He claimed that relatives of government insiders run these schemes and collect money for schools that don’t exist.
This raises questions about where the billions that should go to education are really ending up.
MPs have now demanded a full audit, especially in technical training institutions, where over KSh 12 billion is said to be unaccounted for.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that money had been paid to schools that could not be found, and said such matters would be sent to the DCI.
While Mbadi has not spoken directly about these ghost schools, as the one in charge of the country’s budget, he holds responsibility for allowing such loopholes to persist.
There is also growing frustration that while education funding is being cut, other sectors, including State House operations, have seen sharp increases in budget.
Many believe Mbadi is helping the Ruto administration misuse public funds while leaving students behind.
His claim that education is too expensive is being challenged by those who say the real problem is corruption and misplaced priorities.
This situation has left many wondering whether the government really values education.
If the current trend continues, more children will drop out, schools will collapse, and Kenya’s future will suffer.
The public is now calling for accountability and for leaders like Mbadi to stop defending failures using the excuse of budget constraints.
Transparency, not excuses, is what the country needs to protect its education system.
