The government has been urged to increase funding for both basic and higher education following the high cost of living.
Juja MP George Koimburi said many poor and vulnerable people are currently unable to access education due the increased cost of living.
He said the government should increase education budgetary allocation in the upcoming supplementary budget to cushion parents.
Koimburi said parents are now required to pay almost double the amount they used to pay for school fees and requirements such as uniforms and stationeries.
“The Government should consider increasing education allocation to relieve millions of Kenyans off the burden of facilitating their children's education," he said.
"Currently the cost of living is too high and making access to education costlier will lock out many children, who hail from poor backgrounds."
Koimburi spoke during a graduation ceremony at Gorgeous Technical Training Institute, where over 500 youths graduated with certificates in short, artisanry courses.
Agnes Munyao, the institute’s head of departments said the high prices of school requirements has made education unaffordable for low income households.
Munyao urged government agencies and elected leaders to help vulnerable learners pursue education without hitches.
“We should all team up and ensure that all learners are equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to increase their employability as well as enable them start their own income generating ventures,” she said.
She also urged parents to enroll their children for short technical courses such as bead work and mat-making during the long holiday.
Munyao said learners should take up technical courses such as fashion and design, electrical, plumbing, hospitality, hairdressing and beauty to meet the high demand for specialists in the country.
“In the wake of the unemployment crisis, it is imperative for the youth to get vital skills that will put them at the advantage in the job market,” she said.
Graduates who pursued three-months courses in various technical disciplines said they are technically equipped to start income generating activities, which will keep them away from drugs and substance abuse.
The training of the over 500 learners was funded by George Koimburi Foundation in collaboration with Gorgeous Technical Training Institute.
It has empowered young people with technical skills to make incomes.
