Relief for schools as government releases Sh18.5b capitation

Education CS Julius Ogamba. [File, Standard]

The government has released Sh18.5 billion in capitation to support operations in public basic education institutions during the third term of 2026, as schools reopened across the country on Monday.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the funds have already been released and will support learners in pre-primary, primary, junior and senior schools.

The allocation is intended to facilitate smooth school operations and ensure learning activities continue without disruption.

The Sh18.5 billion has been distributed across three major capitation programmes, with Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) allocated Sh10.963 billion, accounting for the biggest portion of the Term Three capitation.

The money will support operations in public day and secondary schools and comes as institutions prepare learners for a busy academic term.

Free Day Junior School Education has received Sh6.1 billion, to support learners in the second tier of basic education and help institutions meet operational requirements as the Competency-Based Education system continues to expand.

Meanwhile, Free Primary Education has been allocated Sh1.4 billion to support learning in public primary schools.

The funds come as a relief to school heads who had raised concerns on the insufficient funds disbursed to schools this year.

However, Ogamba said the disbursement demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring that learners have access to free and compulsory basic education as provided for under Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution.

“The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and educational institutions,” said the CS.

Ogamba also warned school heads and principals against misuse of the funds, directing them to ensure the money is spent prudently and for the benefit of learners.

School administrators have further been cautioned against imposing unauthorised levies on parents and learners.

Ogamba said the Ministry would take firm action against institutions found to have misappropriated public resources or imposed illegal charges.

“We will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorised levies,” he said.

The warning comes as schools reopen for the third term, a period that is expected to be particularly demanding for institutions and learners because of the academic activities and assessments scheduled for the school calendar.

The Ministry has maintained that capitation is meant to ease the financial burden on families and enable schools to provide essential services without passing prohibited costs to parents.

Ogamba reiterated that school administrators must remain accountable for the public funds entrusted to them, warning that verified cases of misuse will attract action from the Ministry.

The Government has also reaffirmed that every child is entitled to free and compulsory basic education, placing the responsibility on education officials and school managers to ensure capitation achieves its intended purpose.