Senate Education Committee reviews budget policy statement (BPS) 2026/27

Senate Education Committee reviews budget policy statement (BPS) 2026/27

Parliament of Kenya, Bunge Towers 
Thursday 19th February, 2026

The Senate Committee on Education, led by Vice Chair Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar, today received a comprehensive briefing from the Senate Budget Office on the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the Financial Year 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2026/27–2028/29).
The BPS 2026 is anchored on the theme “Accelerating gains under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for inclusive and sustainable growth,” with education and skills development identified as central to driving Kenya’s economic transformation.
The Committee noted that the Education Sector has been allocated Kshs 767 billion, representing 26.8% of the total national budget and remaining the largest share among all sectors. However, this marks a decline from 27.6% in the previous financial year and reflects the lowest growth rate among all sectors at 9.1%.
While acknowledging the Government’s commitment to advancing key reforms—such as the rollout of Competency-Based Education (CBE), expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital learning, and school feeding programmes—the Committee raised concerns about the adequacy of funding to support these initiatives.
Speaking during the session, Sen. Prof. Kamar emphasized the need for alignment between policy priorities and resource allocation. “Education remains the backbone of our country’s socio-economic transformation. However, the level of investment must match the scale of reforms we are undertaking, particularly the transition to Competency-Based Education and the expansion of skills training,” she stated.
The Committee further observed that a significant proportion of the sector’s allocation continues to be absorbed by recurrent expenditure, with over 55% directed towards personnel emoluments under the Teachers Service Commission. This leaves limited fiscal space for development and critical infrastructure expansion.
Concern was also raised over the limited focus on devolved education functions, particularly Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), which are critical in laying the foundation for learning and skills development. “If we are to achieve inclusive growth, we must strengthen education at the grassroots" reiterated Sen. Kinyua Nderitu. "Counties play a critical role in ECDE and vocational training, yet these areas continue to face policy and funding gaps,” Sen. Catherine Mumma noted.
Key challenges highlighted during the briefing included the absence of a clear capitation framework for ECDE and VTC learners, inadequate infrastructure in county institutions, and non-standardized human resource policies affecting ECDE teachers.
The Committee also underscored emerging issues in the transition to senior school under the CBE system, including shortages of learning materials, placement challenges, and the need for clarity on pending obligations such as payments to publishers.
Additionally, Members expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school children—estimated at approximately one million—particularly in informal urban settlements, despite ongoing efforts to achieve universal access to education.
Other areas of concern included the slow rollout of the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), inequities in the allocation of infrastructure funds, and delays in implementing policy measures such as special utility tariffs for public schools.
The Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the education sector is adequately resourced and aligned with national development priorities. “We will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that no learner is left behind and that the education sector is fully equipped to support Kenya’s development agenda,” Sen. Prof. Kamar affirmed.
The Committee will engage relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to seek further clarification and ensure that the proposed budget adequately addresses existing gaps, supports ongoing reforms, and promotes equitable access to quality education across the country.