National Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu presented the budget for 2024/25, giving the education sector a massive KSh656.6 billion as a huge vote towards the development of education in Kenya. This provision of the same takes 27.6% of the total budget amounting to KSh3.92 trillion. In general, this has shown that since President William Ruto took office in September 2022, the Kenya Kwanza administration is keen on fostering quality education in the country.
Major Allocations within the Education Budget
Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
The TSC was the greatest beneficiary in the education budget at KSh358.2 billion. This amount will be used for managing teachers’ salaries, recruiting other teachers, as well as professional development.
Basic Education
Despite the reallocations, Basic Education segment still received the highest share at KSh142.3 billion. It reflects the administration’s commitment to basic or foundational learning. It comprises funding for free primary and secondary education, exam fee waivers, as well as junior secondary school capitation as follows:
- Free Primary Education: KSh9.1 billion
- Free Day Secondary Education: KSh61.9 billion
- Exam Fee Waiver: KSh5 billion
- Junior Secondary School Capitation: KSh30.7 billion
Higher Education and Research
Higher Education and Research was allocated KSh128 billion, which is aimed at enhancing university education and fostering research and innovation across the nation.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
TVET got KSh30.7 billion, with the regime insisting a lot on the vocational training as the way to get work and train skills.
Conversion of JSS Interns to Permanent Terms
An important allocation of KSh13.4 billion has been designated for converting 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns into permanent and pensionable terms, addressing employment stability and teacher retention.
Economic Context and Projections
Revenue and Expenditure
The Treasury anticipates the total collections of revenue will be KSh343.2 billion equivalent of 18.5% to GDP with total expenditure projected at KSh392 billion. The fiscal deficit to be financed through net external borrowing amounting to KSh 333.8 billion and net domestic borrowing of KSh 263.2 billion.
Economic Growth and Employment
The Treasury CS has projected the economic growth at 5.5% for the Financial Year 2024/25. This will be sustained by continued interventions under the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda. The economy gained 848,200 in 2023, up from 816,600 in 2022. This is a result of effective policies and programs.
Housing and Healthcare Initiatives
The budget also addresses housing and healthcare, with notable allocations including:
- Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works: KSh92.1 billion
- Agriculture Sector: KSh5 billion
- Cancer Management at Kenyatta National Hospital: KSh1.1 billion
- Medical Interns and Health Personnel Training: KSh3.7 billion and KSh406 million, respectively
Efficiency and Cost-Saving Measures
In a quest to make the budget more efficient, the government will reduce foreign travels, trainings, restrict purchases of motor vehicles, stop buying furniture for one year, and spending on refurbishments and partitioning government offices.