Kenya government has disbursed KSh44.2 billion in capitation funds to public schools ahead of the 2026 academic year, aiming to ensure a smooth reopening on 5 January and uphold the policy of free basic education amid lingering financial strains.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the release on 2 January, stating the funds would support operations across primary, junior school and senior schools. Of the total KSh44.245 billion, KSh3.7 billion is allocated to primary education, KSh14.4 billion to junior school and KSh26.1 billion to senior schools.
“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” Ogamba said in a statement, adding that field officers would monitor compliance nationwide.
Grade 10 placement updates
The move comes as millions of learners prepare to return after the holiday break, with Grade 10 students under the competency-based curriculum set to join senior schools from 12 January. The ministry has also opened a brief window from 6-9 January for final placement revisions, following an initial review completed in late December 2025.
Warning against misuse
Ogamba issued a stern warning to school heads against imposing extra levies, vowing strict action against misappropriation. “Heads of institutions are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners,” he stressed.
Capitation rates unchanged
The government reaffirmed that capitation for senior schools remains unchanged at KSh22,244 per learner annually, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution mandating free and compulsory basic education. Officials insist no fee increases will be permitted.
Past funding challenges
Yet the announcement carries echoes of past funding shortfalls that have tested the free education policy introduced over a decade ago. In 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi openly admitted the government had never fully met capitation targets, with secondary schools receiving only KSh16,900 per learner against the required KSh22,244, and junior schools getting KSh10,000 against KSh15,042.
Mbadi attributed the gaps to surging enrolment and competing priorities, including debt servicing, noting that full funding “has not been possible in recent years.” He suggested reviews could come if revenues improve.
Those admissions fuelled sharp criticism from lawmakers like Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, who in November 2025 condemned proposals to slash day school capitation to around KSh12,000, warning it would burden parents and undermine the free education promise.
Looking ahead
Despite such tensions, the disbursement signals intent to stabilise the system as enrolment continues to climb. Education officials describe the measures — from timely funding to placement oversight — as proactive steps to close previous gaps.
As classrooms reopen across Kenya on 5 January, parents and educators will watch closely whether the funds translate into uninterrupted learning, or whether fiscal pressures resurface later in the year.
