Education in Kenya should be made truly free, equitable, and universally accessible — from early years through to tertiary level.

The Kenyan Constitution, under Article 53(1)(b), guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education. However, despite this constitutional right, many parents and caregivers continue to shoulder the burden of hidden school costs, levies, and exam fees that undermine the promise of free education. This situation not only hinders our children's right to education but also deepens the inequality gap, making quality education unattainable for many families.

Education is a fundamental human right and a public good. It is the cornerstone for empowerment, fostering development and equality. When education is not genuinely free, we hinder our nation's progress, limiting opportunities for countless children to rise above poverty and fulfill their potential. As a vibrant and growing nation, it's paramount that we align our actions with our legal commitments.

Hidden costs, such as uniforms, transportation, and mandatory contributions towards school infrastructure, create a barrier that many families simply cannot cross. Additionally, tertiary education remains largely unaffordable for the majority, with expensive tuition fees denying aspiring scholars the chance to further their education and contribute to national development.

Addressing these barriers requires the government to take decisive action by:

1) Increasing the education budget to cover all costs associated with basic and secondary schooling, truly making them free.
2) Implementing policies to subsidize or fully cover tertiary education fees for students from low-income families.
3) Enforcing accountability and transparency in the distribution and utilization of educational funds to ensure they serve their intended purpose.
4) Collaboration with stakeholders, including educators, parents, and community leaders, to identify and eliminate hidden costs in schools.

📜 Legislative Framework Needed
These laws and policy reforms could make free education enforceable.

1) Amend the Basic Education Act to permanently guarantee and fund free education at all levels.
2) Establish a National Education Fund Act to ring-fence long-term finance and protect against budget cuts.
3) Strengthen enforcement provisions against illegal levies and school fee charges.

Sign this petition to urge the Kenyan government to honor its constitutional promise and ensure that all children have access to truly free and quality education. Let's build a future where every child in Kenya can realize their dreams and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation. Your signature can make a difference, and together, we can create change. #EducationForAllKenya