DCP Threatens Mass Student Protests Over Capitation Cuts

Speaking during a charged political rally held in Embu County today, DCP deputy  party leader Cleopas Malala declared that if the funds are not disbursed by August 8, the party will mobilize a national protest that could see learners from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions marching to State House in demand of their constitutional right to education.

“The government must act. Capitation is not a luxury. It is a right. If President William Ruto’s administration cannot provide that, then we will lead the students in demanding it,” said Malala.

The rally, held to welcome back Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji following his arrest over alleged links to the Saba Saba protests, quickly turned into a platform for education rights, with several leaders slamming the Kenya Kwanza administration over what they termed as “systematic sabotage” of free education.

Malala, a former Kakamega Senator, accused the government of hiding behind budget constraints while billions are mismanaged in corruption schemes, including funding of non-existent schools.

“This is not a problem of money. It is a problem of mismanagement and theft. Children are being sent home, while ghost institutions are receiving funds,” he claimed.

His sentiments were echoed by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who warned that the education sector is teetering on the brink of collapse due to continued budget cuts.

“The President’s advisors are misleading him. You cannot cut education and expect a productive future generation. We shall resist these cuts in Parliament, in the streets, and in every forum available to us,” Methu said.

A wave of bipartisan support followed, with leaders from across the political divide rallying against the capitation shortfall. Among them were Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui. They all warned that the continued underfunding of schools would have far-reaching consequences on learning outcomes and national development.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, whose return to the constituency marked the rally’s main agenda, also weighed in on the matter, describing the capitation crisis as a battle for the country’s soul.

“If we abandon our children’s education, we are destroying Kenya’s future. The government must move swiftly to avert a crisis,” said Mukunji.

The capitation crisis comes against the backdrop of complaints from school heads who say they have only received a fraction of the promised funds. According to the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), only KSh 4,000 per student has been released out of the expected KSh 22,000, leaving schools struggling with food shortages, unpaid suppliers, and mounting debts.