Ruto Government Drops Free Education, Sparks Outrage: “Kibaki Did It for 10 Years, Why Can’t You?”

In a stunning announcement, President William Ruto’s administration has declared it can no longer fund free primary and secondary education, citing a lack of resources. The move has triggered a firestorm of criticism, anger, and biting sarcasm across Kenya, with citizens accusing the government of breaking one of the country’s most cherished social promises.

What was once a celebrated hallmark of Kenya’s education system now faces an uncertain future—scrapped in the name of “insufficient funding.” The backlash online has been swift, with many Kenyans accusing Ruto’s government of failure and misplaced priorities.

“Kibaki Did It for 10 Years, Uhuru for 10—Ruto Can’t Do 3?”

One viral tweet from @chel0goi captured national frustration:
“Kibaki sustained free education for 10 years. Uhuru did for 10 years. But Ruto in 3 years can’t—and he still wants 10 years like the rest.”

Others chimed in with both humor and fury.
@GeraldGathirwa wrote sarcastically: “@WilliamsRuto ondokea tu roho clean.”
@JKMW682679 was more direct: “You need to look within to discover the honourable thing to do now… resign.”

“We Studied for Free—Now Our Siblings Can’t?”

Kenyans took to social media to reminisce about when access to education was not a privilege, but a right.
@cokoyoh wrote: “We went to school from primary through college virtually free. Now, our siblings cannot enjoy the same. The mad man has to go.”
@kavoi_eunice added: “His main mission was to kill the education sector and health… WANTAM is inevitable.”

The hashtag #RutoMustGo trended, and many users accused the government of mismanaging public funds while prioritizing non-essential spending.

Dissent Meets Backlash

While the majority expressed dismay, a lone voice, @nairobimercury, stirred controversy with a contrarian take:
“‘Free education’ is sht. It’s long overdue. It should be scrapped.”

The response was swift and unforgiving, with many branding the comment out of touch and insensitive, given the socio-economic realities facing most Kenyan families.

A Broken Promise or Misplaced Priorities?

With Treasury CS John Mbadi standing by the decision, citizens are demanding to know: If the government cannot afford free education, what is it spending on instead? And with Ruto seeking a decade in power, why are essential services being cut so early into his first term?

One user, @Taylorkiarie, summed up the public mood with bitter humor: “Let’s laugh out loud to WANTAM