The Kenyan government’s recent decision to slash capitation for free day secondary education has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and policy analysts. The reduction, which takes effect under the 2026 rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, will lower government contributions per student from KSh 22,244 to KSh 12,870—a decrease of nearly 43 percent.

Western Kenya is experiencing significant agricultural and economic transformation in 2025. Once defined primarily by subsistence farming, the region is increasingly shifting toward organized agri-business that integrates community-based development, micro-enterprise, and modern technology.

In many parts of Western Kenya, healthcare is often sought only when illness becomes severe. This reactive approach has long contributed to high rates of preventable diseases and avoidable deaths. However, a growing movement among community-based organizations (CBOs), local health workers, and development partners is shifting the focus toward preventive care and health education at the grassroots level.