By Afrireport 
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has renewed debate on the future of Kenya’s social welfare programmes after pledging to restore free education and the Edu Afya medical insurance scheme if his political camp is voted into power.
Speaking during a public engagement, Matiang’i said access to education and healthcare should not depend on a family’s financial status, arguing that the withdrawal of key support programmes has placed unnecessary pressure on ordinary Kenyans.
He maintained that his vision for leadership prioritises social investment as a foundation for national development.
Matiang’i pointed to the period when free day secondary education and Edu Afya were operational, saying the initiatives helped reduce inequality and improved school retention rates, particularly among learners from poor households.
Edu Afya, which provided comprehensive health insurance for secondary school students, was introduced to cushion families from rising medical costs and ensure learners remained healthy and in school.
According to the former CS, the return of such programmes would be anchored on prudent management of public resources and accountability.
Also Read
- Trump vs Trevor Noah: Epstein Joke Sparks Fresh Legal Threats
- No More Excuses! CS Ruku Warns Underperforming Civil Servants
- Inside Kakamega’s Newest ECDE Block: What Governor Barasa Just Unveiled in Matungu
- Museveni Drops Uganda Airlines CEO in Sudden Midnight Shake-Up
- How a Promised Way Out Abroad Turned Into a Growing Labour Scandal
He argued that Kenya has the financial capacity to support social programmes if wastage, corruption and duplication of roles within government are addressed.
Matiang’i added that investment in education and health yields long term economic benefits by producing a skilled and productive population.
His remarks come at a time when the cost of education and healthcare continues to rise, with parents struggling to meet school fees, insurance cover and medical bills.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that the removal or scaling down of government support risks widening the gap between learners from wealthy and low income families.
Political analysts view Matiang’i’s statement as part of early positioning ahead of future political contests, with social welfare emerging as a key battleground.
Promises around education and healthcare have historically resonated strongly with voters, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements.
However, critics caution that such pledges must be accompanied by clear policy frameworks and sustainable funding models.
They argue that restoring programmes without addressing structural challenges in the education and health sectors could strain public finances.
Matiang’i insisted that his camp’s approach would focus on reforms rather than rhetoric, saying Kenyans deserve practical solutions that improve daily life.
He urged citizens to engage critically with leaders’ promises and hold them accountable once in office.
