Government Spokesperson Defends Finance Bill, Calls for Tough Conversation on School Discipline

The government has called for a candid national conversation on discipline, morality and student welfare following a wave of school unrest across the country, even as it defended the Finance Bill 2026 and highlighted key gains in the proposed national budget.

Speaking at the Government Spokesperson's Media Centre at Harambee Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the country must confront difficult issues affecting young people, including indiscipline, violence and moral decay in schools.

"As a nation we have a challenge and we must address it. We have to have an honest conversation about discipline in schools," Mwaura said, adding that concerns surrounding immorality, violence and other social challenges among learners require urgent attention.

The spokesperson urged parents to take a more active role in raising and guiding their children, arguing that schools and social media cannot replace the foundational responsibility of families in instilling values, discipline and accountability.

He said recent incidents of school unrest have exposed deeper social problems and called for collective efforts by parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities to nurture responsible citizenship and respect for human life.

To address the challenges, Mwaura said the government is strengthening counselling services, teacher training, learner support programmes and school safety measures. He announced that the number of Quality Assurance Officers has been increased from 600 to 1,000 nationwide to improve oversight and educational standards.

The government also provided an update on the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students and one parent.

Mwaura said seven injured students who had been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital have since been discharged, although three of them will require wheelchairs due to injuries sustained while escaping the blaze.

He said the government has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured and has provided KSh200,000 to each bereaved family, including the family of the parent who died while coming to pick up her child. Funeral expenses, including mortuary charges, coffins, transportation and a requiem mass, will also be catered for by the government.

On economic matters, Mwaura defended the Finance Bill 2026 against what he termed widespread misinformation.

He dismissed claims that the bill introduces new taxes on bread, second-hand clothing, motor vehicle circulation or freehold land ownership.

"The Government calls for a fact-based and objective national conversation on the Finance Bill 2026. Kenyans are urged to disregard misinformation and false claims circulating on various platforms," he said.

According to Mwaura, the bill proposes several taxpayer-friendly measures, including the removal of VAT on mitumba, dialysis equipment and bottled water, as well as increasing the duty-free allowance for arriving passengers from approximately KSh39,000 to KSh260,000.

The bill also seeks to simplify tax compliance through pre-populated tax returns, a tax amnesty on penalties and interest, and reforms aimed at attracting investment and supporting business growth.

Highlighting the 2026/27 budget priorities, Mwaura said education remains the government's largest spending priority, receiving KSh784.5 billion. Other allocations include KSh20 billion for fertilizer subsidies, KSh16.3 billion for digital transformation projects and additional funding for healthcare, affordable housing, water, sanitation and energy infrastructure.

National security has been allocated KSh375.3 billion, while the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will receive KSh24.97 billion to support preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Mwaura also hailed President William Ruto's recent state visit to South Africa, saying it had delivered significant diplomatic and economic gains for Kenya.

He said six Memorandums of Understanding were signed covering security cooperation, infrastructure development, TVET training, maritime management, women's economic empowerment and cultural exchanges.

According to the spokesperson, South Africa has also lifted duties on Kenyan tea, coffee and spices, a move expected to boost exports, create jobs and improve foreign exchange earnings.

"The visit reinforces Kenya's position as a regional economic hub while advancing the Government's agenda of expanding markets for Kenyan products, attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth," Mwaura said.