Education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. It opens doors to opportunity, reduces poverty, and prepares young people to contribute meaningfully to society. Yet today, many Kenyan families are asking a difficult question: Can we still afford to keep our children in school?
In recent months, discussions around increasing school fees have dominated the education sector. School administrators argue that rising inflation, delayed government capitation, and increasing operational costs have made it difficult to run schools without reviewing fees. On the other hand, parents are struggling with an economy where the cost of food, transport, rent, and healthcare continues to rise. For many households, even a small increase in school fees can mean the difference between a child staying in class or being sent home.
The consequences extend far beyond unpaid school balances. Every learner who misses lessons due to financial hardship falls behind academically. Some never return to school at all. Education should be a right, not a privilege determined by a family's income.
At the same time, another issue has raised fresh concerns ahead of this year's national examinations. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has warned that delayed payment of allowances for teachers who supervised and invigilated last year's national examinations could disrupt this year's exam process. The union says thousands of teachers are still waiting for payments despite government assurances that funds had been released, warning that some may decline to participate in the upcoming examinations if the matter is not resolved.
These developments remind us that a strong education system depends on everyone playing their part. Schools need adequate funding, teachers deserve timely compensation for the work they perform, and parents need an education system that remains affordable and predictable.
Most importantly, learners should never become the casualties of financial and administrative challenges. Whether it is rising school fees or delays in paying teachers, the people most affected are the young Kenyans whose futures depend on uninterrupted learning.
At Science Horizons Kenya, we believe that quality education must remain accessible to every child, regardless of their background or economic circumstances. As the country continues to discuss education financing and sector reforms, every decision should be guided by one principle: no child should be denied the opportunity to learn because education has become too expensive or because systems meant to support learning have failed.
Investing in education is not simply about funding schools,it is about investing in Kenya's future. A nation that protects its learners today builds a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous tomorrow.