Despite Kenya’s education budget rising significantly over the past five years, a new civil society report reveals that many students are still struggling without basic learning necessities. While the national education allocation grew from Sh460 billion in 2018 to Sh628 billion in 2022, the amount directly supporting students known as capitation has remained stagnant, straining schools and learners alike.
The report highlights an unsettling reality: increased funding at the national level has not translated into better conditions for children in classrooms. Many students still lack access to critical essentials such as warm meals, clean and safe classrooms, and even sanitary towels for girls. Without these basic needs being met, learning outcomes inevitably suffer.
As government funding falls short of covering real costs, schools have been forced to quietly turn to parents for help. Some schools are now asking for additional “development fees,” “project levies,” or “support contributions” unofficial payments intended to bridge the funding gap. For many families already grappling with a high cost of living, these extra charges present a painful burden and risk pushing some students out of school altogether.
Teachers and school administrators are also feeling the pressure. With limited resources, some institutions have had to cut extracurricular programs, reduce meal plans, and even delay maintenance of vital infrastructure. In some cases, children attend classes in poorly maintained rooms without adequate learning materials.
The stagnation of capitation comes at a time when education faces growing demands, including higher enrollment due to the government’s 100% transition policy from primary to secondary school. Without adjusting the funding formula to meet these realities, experts warn that Kenya’s ambitions for universal, quality education could falter.
The report calls on the government to review and increase capitation rates to reflect the true cost of delivering quality education. It also urges transparency in school financing and stronger support mechanisms to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial hardship.
Unless action is taken, the gap between the promise of free education and the daily reality facing Kenyan students will only continue to widen.
