Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta

Kenyans are expecting free education irrespective of which party wins Tuesday’s elections.

Both Jubilee and NASA have promised, in their manifestos, free education from primary to university level.

But what is not certain is whether both sides will make this dream a reality amid claims theirs is just a campaign gimmick to win over voters. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition candidate Raila Odinga outlined elaborate plans for the education sector in their manifestos.

“These are just campaign gimmicks and we have heard them after every five years. I have continued to struggle educating my three children and I guess the struggle will continue. I don’t think they are sincere. Why would the Government offer free or subsidised education then increase prices of basic commodities? They give us with one hand and take with the other,” Charles Mwai, electrician, Nyeri County. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Kenyan children are currently enjoying free primary education introduced by former President Mwai Kibaki after his election in 2002.

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Even though the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme was blamed for lowering the quality of teaching and learning in public schools, it enhanced access for thousands who had been locked out of classrooms by punitive fees schools charged.

FPE was part of the United Nation’s efforts to enhance access to education under the Education for All policy.

Christine Nanjala- We have seen very many campaign tools all electioneering periods in this country.Where is the money to implement the promise? There is going to be a nightmare in parents who trust politicians but as for me I do not see anything coming to pass. I know I will pay school fees for my children as usual because when the time comes, the politicians will mute as if they promised nothing.(Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

Later on, President Kenyatta’s administration free secondary education for day schools and subsidised charges for those in boarding schools.

And while some Kenyans are happy the burden of paying fees will be taken away from them, some of those on social media have poured scorn on the promise for free education.

And secondary school principals are a worried lot. They fear that with former students owing schools a lot of money in arrears, their situation will worsen when and if the free secondary and university education us rolled out.

"As a parent, there's no way I can sit back and bank on the promises by the government of the day and their competitors promise of free education not to prepare for third term fees as I've always done. Any responsible parent knows that this are just but promises which will take time to be implemented into government policies. As of now am saving the little I get as I have always done towards my children's education" Timothy Muchoru - Nyeri auto-mechanic

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Kahi Indimuli said most schools are faced with financial problems after many students failed pay fees this year.

“Some parents have refused to settle their fees arrears saying the next government will take care of it. This is hurting us as we are unable to pay suppliers as well as run our programmes normally,” Indimuli said.

President Kenyatta has dismissed Raila’s promise to implement free secondary education starting September.

“NASA leaders should stop misleading Kenyans that they will implement free secondary education in September if they win the August elections. Implementation of government projects requires proper planning and not mere politicking,” Uhuru said. 

In June, Raila accused Uhuru of failing to implement pledges he made ahead of the 2013 elections, which included free secondary education.

“Jubilee government has failed to implement their own promises, including laptops for primary school pupils. What makes them think they can implement free education,” said Raila.

Over the past four years, enrolment in national schools alone increased from only 4,600 to 24,795.

newsdesk@standardmedia.co.ke