Relief for schools as government releases Sh22 billion in capitation

Public schools across the country are set to breathe a sigh of relief following the government's disbursement of Sh22 billion in capitation funds, to support school activities.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the release, stating that the funds will support smooth operations in public primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools during the second term.

“The Government has today released Sh22,028,911,191.40 as capitation for Term 2 for learners in all public basic education institutions,” said Ogamba.

“This ensures continuity of learning and affirms our commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education as required by Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution.”

Out of these, Sh11.6 billion will go towards Free day secondary school education, Sh8.9 billion for Free day junior school education, Sh1.3 billion for Free primary education, and Sh118.4 million for Special needs education.

However, Ogamba sent a warning shot to school heads against imposing illegal levies on parents, urging administrators to use the funds well.

“School heads and principals are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners, and to desist from imposing any unauthorised levies. We will act firmly on any cases of misappropriation,” he warned.

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) chairperson Willie Kuria welcomed the move but noted that schools are still waiting for official communication on how to spend the funds.

“We appreciate the release of the capitation funds, but implementation can only begin once we receive the circular. Last term, the government owed each learner Sh3,156 after underfunding schools, and that disrupted our operations significantly,” said Kuria.

He said second term school calendar is packed with music festivals, field activities as well as practical papers for Junior School students in Grade 9.

“With co-curricular activities and exams lined up in the long second term, we urge for timely communication to stabilize the school calendar and safeguard learners’ education,” he said.

Kuria further noted that with schools accrued debts from suppliers, principals will be tempted to pay them. “How do you hold funds in banks when our support staff children are at home for non-payment of fees, suppliers are camping in schools.”

Three weeks ago, the Education CS had promised the release of Sh21 billion to schools, which has led to distress among school heads, who warned of paralysed learning activities.

School Principals had raised alarm over unpaid suppliers, stalled programs, and idle learners in classrooms due to lack of teaching materials.

“We have entered the fourth week of term two, and there are difficulties in schools because this is affecting the quality of learning. We are limiting everything, and it’s not fair,” lamented one principal.

Day schools, which are heavily reliant on capitation, had been forced to send learners home, unable to pay teachers, conduct lessons or administer exams. In rural areas, some teachers were reportedly buying their own chalk to keep lessons going.

"Our hands are tied. We do not want head teachers to be accused of running down schools, yet they are not facilitated," said a principal in Kajiado who requested anonymity.

Tunza Mtoto Coalition CEO Ouko Muthoni warned that continued disruptions in funding will lead to a reversal of educational gains made in the last two decades.

“The delayed disbursement isn’t just a bureaucratic issue, it’s a direct barrier to access. It is sabotaging children’s futures,” she said.