Mps accuse Ogamba of misleading House on capitation

Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba National during the interview in his office on 8, September, 2025.[Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is under intense scrutiny for failing to honour his promise to disburse capitation funds to schools, with the National Assembly warning that institutions are in a financial crisis, particularly with national exams fast approaching.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, yesterday directed that Ogamba appear before the House today to provide a clear way forward, following concerns raised by several MPs.

“I want us to do better. There is a common Christian saying that if you can access Jesus, there is no need for John the Baptist. I direct you to get the Minister here tomorrow at 3 pm to speak for himself and his Ministry, because any promises and pronouncements on the floor of this House cannot be in vain,” he urged Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.

Education Committee Chairman, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, led the House in raising concerns over the Ministry’s slow response, despite earlier assurances by both the CS and Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok that funds would be in schools by the end of last week.

“The CS appeared before the House last week, and the PS before the Committee. Both assured us that funds would be disbursed to all schools after verification. However, it has come to our attention that schools are in a dire financial crisis, yet national exams are around the corner,” said Melly.

He warned that schools are closing prematurely, and essential supplies cannot be procured. “KPSEA, KJSEA, and KILEA assessments are coming up, but schools are unable to purchase laboratory equipment or other essentials,” he added.

Melly called on the Speaker to compel the Ministry to release the funds, stressing that the verification exercise was completed last week to weed out ghost schools and students.

Ichung’wah emphasised that Cabinet Secretaries must take their appearances in Parliament seriously. “What they say here must be followed through. If there are any delays or challenges, they must be communicated clearly,” he said.

Minority Leader Junet Mohamed criticised the Executive, saying it had forgotten its accountability to Parliament. “They think they can say anything and go scot-free. The PS has been going around claiming to audit schools, you don’t need a year to count students. The government has all the tools to determine the actual numbers in 24 hours,” he said.

Junet claimed the audit was merely a tactic to avoid releasing the allocated budget. “Parliament did its job and allocated the funds. Now the Executive must disburse them. If they fail, we will take action,” he said.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya supported the calls, describing the situation as a crisis. “Schools are about to close, yet the funds have not arrived. When a CS makes a statement in this House, it should be truthful and followed by action,” he said.

Baya urged MPs to consider censuring the CS if funds are not released. “No CS should come here and make empty promises. Did he mislead the House?” he asked.

Several MPs, including Marakwet East MP Bowen Kangogo and Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, called for capitation to be treated as a recurrent expenditure, such as salaries, to ensure timely disbursement.

“It’s unfortunate that schools are closing early due to lack of funds, despite the CS's assurances. If the money has left the Treasury, where is it sitting now?” Wangari asked.