Free secondary education countrywide in three years

Years back primary school fees was scrapped by H.E Mwai Kibaki's government. This raised questions if the Secondary fees could also be scrapped and save parents the headaches of paying fees.

This may just become reality in like 3 years to come.This is after Deputy President William Ruto said that the government will abolish fees in all day secondary schools in the next three years.  He spoke at Amase Primary School grounds in Teso South Constituency on Friday, after laying the foundation stone for Okame Technical Training Institute.

 Ruto said the aim is to level the ground in the provision of education to all Kenyan children, irrespective of their social status.

“We have also made more funds available in secondary and primary schools this year by increasing capitation by 40 per cent because we are serious about the education of the Kenyan child," he said.

“The government has, in addition, scrapped payment of examination fees in standard eight and form four so as to bring equity in the administration of examinations in public schools in the country.”

Noting that the government will pump Sh100 million into the institute's completion, Ruto affirmed commitment to having one TTI in all constituencies.

“We want children who graduate from primary and secondary schools, but cannot continue with university education, to acquire skills from these institutions that will make them contribute to the development of the country and earn a living,” he said.

Ruto, who also raised funds for women's groups in the area, challenged women and youths to take the 30 per cent tenders reserved for them to supply goods and services to ministries.

“You should borrow money from the Uwezo and women’s development funds, and do business with it so that you are able to repay the loans to benefit others,” he said.

The Deputy President announced the upgrading of Alupe Research Institute into a university saying its new status had been gazetted.

On health, he said the government will equip Busia county hospital with an ICU, and radiology and dialysis machines at a cost of Sh425 million.

“The government is also going to give Sh380 million to Kocholia hospital to upgrade it to a level hospital four hospital,” he said.

He advised Kenyans to take medical insurance cover with the NHIF saying the fund now caters to inpatient and outpatient services.

Ruto further said Busia-Malaba road will be tarmacked this year, and advised farmers in the area to improve livestock breeds through artificial insemination.

“The government will provide you with two milk cooling plants once your milk output increases significantly,” he said.

Ruto was accompanied by Governor Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale, Senate majority leader Kindiki Kithure and Senators Charles Keter (Kericho), Amos Wako (Busia) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet).

Others were MPs Arthur Odera (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), Paul Otuoma (Funyula), James Lomenen (Turkana South), Florence Mutua (Busia), Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi South), Tiya Galgalo (Isiolo) Sonia Birdi (Nominated) and Paul Otsyula (Bumula).

Duale criticised politicians who turn funerals into political rallies, while Murkomen warned against tribalism.

"You should not just vote someone into leadership because they are from your tribe, but because they have leadership qualities and are capable, knowledgeable, wise and charismatic enough to lead," Murkomen said.

Reference : www.the-star.co.ke