National Assembly Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi has come out in defense of the government’s recent decision to reduce capitation funds allocated to schools.

Atandi explained that although the capitation rate was initially set at Ksh 22,244 per student over a decade ago, no administration has ever fully disbursed the promised amount.

He credited Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for openly acknowledging this longstanding discrepancy, a revelation that has now sparked public debate.

Atandi, who is also the MP for Alego/Usonga, assured Kenyans that the Budget Committee is committed to reviewing the matter and exploring ways to increase the capitation funding moving forward.

He emphasized that the upcoming supplementary budget will include proposals to boost the allocation, ensuring schools and learners are not adversely affected.

The lawmaker made these remarks while commissioning newly constructed classrooms funded by the Alego/Usonga NG-CDF at Matera Primary School where he reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to strengthening free primary and secondary education nationwide.

Atandi also pointed out that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration failed to meet capitation targets, contrasting that with Ruto’s dedication to improving educational funding.