Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has accused the government over what he termed as planning to divert funds meant for Kenya’s free basic education programme to undisclosed projects.

Speaking on TV 47’s Morning Cafe on Tuesday, 29, the legislator expressed concerns that the country risks reversing the gains made under the late President Mwai Kibaki, who pioneered free education to help students learn, as well as aid parents who might not be in a position to meet education capitation.

“I suspect the government wants to use the money meant to fund free basic education in another hidden project,” said Gakuya.

His remarks come after days of public criticism of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s declaration that there is not enough school capitation to sustain free primary and secondary education, which triggered most of the UDA party members, including majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa, who questioned the need for accountability in the treasury docket.

In response to the uproar, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring school capitation continues, promising that no child will be denied access to education due to lack of funding.

President William Ruto has repeatedly reassured Kenyans that free education will remain intact. However, Gakuya questioned the government’s consistency.

“How can Ruto tell us free education is here to stay, yet his Cabinet Secretary is saying the opposite? Mwai Kibaki had a vision of free primary education, and he did not take time to achieve this. Today, that vision is at risk,” he warned.

Gakuya, however, urged Parliament to maintain vigilance, insisting that any attempt to slash education funds would undermine Kenya’s progress in expanding access to schooling and improving literacy levels.