The Auditor General of Kenya has revealed a funding shortfall of 117 billion Kenyan shillings in public school capitation over the past four financial years, with secondary schools experiencing the largest deficit at 71 billion shillings, followed by junior high and primary schools at 31 billion and 14 billion shillings respectively. The audit uncovered fraudulent disbursements totaling approximately 16.68 million shillings to 33 non-existent 'ghost' schools, which lacked any infrastructure. This fraud has contributed to the broader crisis of underfunding in the education sector, leaving more than 163,000 students without loans. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi initially stated that the government could no longer sustain free education due to budget constraints, proposing a reduction of capitation funding from 22,000 to 16,000 shillings per child. However, he later claimed to have been misquoted and assured that funds would be made available. President William Ruto reaffirmed the government's commitment to free education, describing it as a constitutional right and emphasizing the importance of education as empowerment. Education stakeholders, including school heads and Members of Parliament, have expressed concern over the funding gaps and the potential for parents to incur fees up to 7,800 shillings annually if government support continues to fall short. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba defended the government's efforts, denying reductions in funding and affirming ongoing support for free education. Despite these assurances, public anxiety remains high regarding the sustainability and future of free education in Kenya.