The government is set to release the delayed Sh14 billion capitation funds for schools beginning this week, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed. This follows concerns from school heads and education stakeholders over delayed disbursements, which have caused financial strain on institutions across the country.
Ogamba reassured school administrators and parents that the Ministry of Education is working closely with the National Treasury to ensure the funds are released without further delay. “We are doing everything possible to ensure the balance is paid,” Ogamba stated, emphasizing that capitation is the government’s responsibility, not that of parents.
Schools were initially allocated Sh28 billion for the first term, but only half of this amount was disbursed on January 30. The remaining Sh14 billion will now be released to enable schools to meet their tuition and operational expenses. Under the existing funding structure, capitation funds are disbursed in three tranches: 50% in the first term, 30% in the second term, and 20% in the third term.
The government’s free primary education program allocates Sh1,420 per learner, while junior secondary schools receive Sh15,042 per student. Meanwhile, secondary schools are allocated Sh22,244 per student under the free day secondary education programme. These funds are crucial for sustaining school operations, including purchasing learning materials, paying non-teaching staff, and maintaining infrastructure.
The delay in disbursement had prompted school heads, through the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), to threaten sending students home due to financial constraints. Many institutions have struggled to keep up with daily expenses, leading to concerns over the quality of education and smooth running of school programs.
In response, Ogamba stated that the ministry is developing a long-term mechanism to ensure capitation funds are released on time in the future. “We want to prevent disruptions that have affected schools, teachers, and students,” he said.
As schools await the funds, the government has urged headteachers to exercise patience and ensure that learning continues uninterrupted. The release of the Sh14 billion is expected to provide relief and stability to schools across the country.
