Relief for schools as government releases Sh18.5b capitation

Relief for schools arrived as the Kenyan government released Sh18.5 billion in capitation funds to support public basic education institutions during the third term of 2026. The announcement came as schools nationwide reopened on Monday, following the long holiday break. The funds, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, have already been disbursed and are aimed at facilitating uninterrupted learning activities across all levels of basic education, including pre-primary, primary, junior, and senior schools. The Sh18.5 billion was divided among three key capitation programs. The largest share, amounting to Sh10.963 billion, went to the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program, which supports operations in public day and secondary schools. This allocation is crucial as these institutions gear up for a demanding academic term marked by increased activity and preparations for end-of-year assessments. A sum of Sh6.1 billion was allocated to the Free Day Junior School Education initiative, designed to assist learners in the second tier of basic education. This funding aims to address the growing demands of the Competency-Based Education system, which continues to expand across the country. Meanwhile, Sh1.4 billion was set aside for the Free Primary Education program, providing necessary support to public primary schools. The release of these funds offers much-needed relief to school heads who had previously voiced concerns over insufficient disbursements earlier in the year. Ogamba emphasized that the government remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligation to ensure free and compulsory basic education for all children, as outlined in Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution. In his statement, Ogamba urged school administrators to use the funds responsibly and warn them against imposing unauthorized levies on parents and students. He assured that the ministry would take strict measures against any institution found guilty of misusing public resources or charging illegal fees. “We will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorized levies,” he stated. Despite the injection of new funds, many schools face challenges related to debt and financial strain. As they prepare for the shortest and final term of the academic year, institutions are bracing for a period filled with examinations and evaluations. The pressure on both educators and students is expected to be high, given the condensed schedule and the need to complete the academic year effectively. The Ministry of Education has consistently maintained that capitation funds are intended to reduce the financial burden on families and allow schools to deliver essential services without transferring additional costs to parents. Ogamba reiterated the importance of accountability, reminding school administrators that they must ensure the proper utilization of public funds entrusted to them. Any confirmed instances of misuse will result in appropriate actions taken by the ministry. As the new term begins, the focus remains on ensuring that the newly allocated funds achieve their intended purpose. With the academic year drawing to a close, the emphasis is on maintaining quality education while addressing the ongoing financial pressures faced by schools. The government’s commitment to supporting the education sector through timely fund disbursements is evident, yet the challenge lies in ensuring that these resources are used efficiently and transparently.