Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has taken a swipe at President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of implementing unsustainable policies.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show, Mulu criticized the government for making abrupt changes in key sectors like education and healthcare. According to Mulu, the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office and immediately dismissed previous systems without proper evaluation or public participation.
“Let me now put the record straight what happens in every financial year. Parliament as a house is expected to go and do conduct public participation now in that public participation what we look for are projects which are community-based at that level which have not been factored by the executive in the budget,” the MP said.
He argued that this approach has led to widespread confusion and hardship for Kenyans. He pointed to the new higher education funding model and the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) as prime examples of rushed policies. “They thought everything that had been happening for the last 60 years was wrong,” Mulu stated.
The MP expressed concerns about the government’s ability to manage multiple major reforms at once.
“They changed the education system, the funding model, and changed NHIF to SHA. They have been biting more than they can swallow and it will hang somewhere,” Mulu added.
The new university funding model has sparked widespread debate among students, parents, and educators. Previously, government-sponsored students automatically received funding, but now they must apply separately for HELB loans and UF scholarships. The model uses a means-testing instrument to determine financial aid, but critics argue it has major flaws. Many students have been misclassified, leaving them with insufficient support and financial struggles.
SHA’s transition from NHIF in October has sparked widespread frustration. Many Kenyans are struggling to access medical care despite paying premiums, with reduced benefits worsening the situation. Amid growing public outcry, President Ruto appointed a committee to review the education funding model. However, concerns remain over whether these sweeping policy changes will truly address Kenyans’ needs.
