Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has revealed how day secondary schools in his constituency now charge parents only Ksh 500 per term, a significant step towards making education more accessible amid rising costs nationwide.
Speaking on the initiative, Nyoro explained that the programme, part of the expanded Kiharu Masomo Bora efforts, builds on data collected from public secondary schools.
Launched in 2023 with parents initially paying Ksh 1,000 per term, the MP and his team conducted a thorough audit of annual running costs across schools in Kiharu.
The analysis showed that the bulk of school fees covers lunch and other operational expenses, particularly food. Schools often purchase food in small quantities, leading to higher prices as suppliers overcharge, knowing payments come at the end of the year.
“We realised that if there was a programme to buy foodstuff in large scale and make payments promptly, that alone would cut costs by more than 30%,” Nyoro stated.
This insight led to a bulk procurement and timely payment system, allowing schools to remit funds based on per-student costs while parents contribute only a modest “motivation fee” alongside minimal other charges.
On infrastructure, Nyoro highlighted efficient use of resources, including cabro paving and school upgrades.
In the first term, efforts focused on tiling new classes, renovations, and other improvements using labour-based methods. “Where there is no labour-based approach, almost 45% of money is lost,” he noted, emphasising that this ensures funds go directly to intended purposes.
Looking ahead, the Kiharu MP proposed a bold national solution to achieve truly free day secondary education.
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With the current NG-CDF allocation at Ksh 58 billion, he called on fellow MPs to mobilise for reallocating Ksh 10 billion from NG-CDF, another Ksh 10 billion from county governments, and Ksh 10 billion from the national government.
This would create a Ksh 30 billion pool to make secondary day schooling free nationwide while subsidising boarding schools by Ksh 10,000 per student annually.
Nyoro said he plans to push this proposal when budget-making processes begin, describing it as a political yet practical move that would benefit all Kenyan learners.
Reflecting on his motivation, Nyoro said: “In my heart, I don’t keep hate or negativity. My goal is to make Kenya a great country. You will not be remembered for what you say, but for what you do , that stays as remembrance.”
He added that the CDF formula for resource allocation remains fixed, based on equality and the number of wards.
On broader economic concerns, Nyoro warned that Kenyans will soon feel the effects of the recent borrowing spree. “When the government tells them to be careful, it means they need to do better,” he remarked.
The MP concluded by reaffirming his commitment: “The work we are doing is for the betterment of Kenya.”
This model in Kiharu, benefiting over 12,000 students in 65 day secondary schools, continues to draw attention as a potential blueprint for addressing education affordability across the country.
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