Panic ensued in Kenya when Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the government could no longer afford free primary and day secondary education. This declaration, made before the National Assembly Committee on Education on July 25, 2025, was later contradicted by President William Ruto, causing confusion regarding the nation's education policy.

• By May 19, 80 percent of public school capitation had been released, yet schools sent students home early due to financial strain, with the government owing schools Ksh.64 billion over seven years.
• Treasury CS John Mbadi initially insisted the government could not finance free education, proposing a cost-sharing model with parents.
• President William Ruto later reassured the public, asserting that education remains a constitutional right and a core government priority, leading CS Mbadi to retract his statement.