Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to restore free education if elected president, invoking the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki, whose administration introduced free primary education in Kenya. Gachagua’s promise is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and expanding access to learning for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In his remarks, Gachagua emphasized that education is the foundation of national development and social mobility. By referencing Kibaki’s era, he sought to remind Kenyans of a time when government investment in education significantly increased school enrollment and improved literacy levels across the country.
Supporters of the proposal argue that restoring free education would help reduce inequality and ensure that no child is denied learning opportunities due to poverty. They believe such a policy could empower future generations and strengthen Kenya’s human capital in the long term.
However, critics note that implementing free education requires sustainable funding, proper planning, and accountability to maintain quality. They argue that beyond making education free, the government must also address issues such as teacher shortages, infrastructure, and learning materials to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Overall, Gachagua’s pledge places education at the center of political debate and challenges other leaders to outline their own plans for supporting learners. As the campaign discourse continues, voters are likely to weigh not only the promise of free education but also the feasibility and sustainability of such commitments.
