Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura Highlights Education, Health and Housing Gains, Defends UDA Strength

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has outlined key achievements across education, healthcare, housing and employment, while affirming the political strength of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking during a weekly press briefing on Monday, Mwaura said the government had released KSh23.4 billion in capitation funds to support learners in public schools, easing the burden on families and improving access to education.

He noted that accountability systems such as the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) are helping eliminate ghost students and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

On staffing, Mwaura said the government has hired 100,000 teachers out of a planned 116,000, alongside constructing more than 23,000 classrooms nationwide. He added that reforms are ongoing, including curriculum improvements, expansion of technical training, and plans to build 1,600 laboratories.

The spokesperson also highlighted the revised higher education funding model, which has increased funding to KSh53.1 billion through a mix of scholarships and loans, while addressing accommodation shortages through plans to construct 178,000 student beds under the Affordable Housing Programme. Support for vulnerable learners through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has also been strengthened.

In healthcare, Mwaura said the transition from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has expanded coverage from under 8 million to 30.8 million Kenyans. 

He added that reforms have eliminated co-payments for teachers and expanded access to specialised treatment, including services such as IVF.

On housing, the government reported that over 273,000 units are under construction, with 9,000 already allocated and more than 640,000 jobs created. 

The programme, he said, prioritises inclusivity by allocating opportunities to women, persons with disabilities and local communities.

Mwaura further said the overseas employment programme has enabled over 580,000 Kenyans to secure jobs abroad through structured bilateral agreements, while diaspora reforms are saving KSh3 billion annually in embassy operational costs and expanding labour mobility opportunities with countries such as Canada.

Addressing political developments, Mwaura maintained that UDA remains strong, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, citing a turnout of over 580,000 people in recent grassroots elections and victories in by-elections. He noted, however, that individuals are free to align with political parties of their choice.

On foreign affairs, the government dismissed reports of Kenyans being conscripted into the Russian army, stating that no such arrangement exists between Kenya and Russia. 

He urged citizens to be cautious of fraudulent job offers, especially those linked to conflict zones such as Ukraine, and advised that all overseas employment opportunities must be verified through the National Employment Authority.

Mwaura added that Kenyans facing challenges abroad should seek assistance from embassies, consulates and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.