The Kenyan government has released Sh18.5 billion in capitation funds to support operations in public basic education institutions during the third term of 2026. This move comes as schools reopened across the country on Monday. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the funds have already been released and will support learners in pre-primary, primary, junior, and senior schools. The allocation aims to facilitate smooth school operations and ensure learning activities continue without disruption.
The Sh18.5 billion has been distributed across three major capitation programmes. Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) received the largest allocation of Sh10.963 billion, which will support operations in public day and secondary schools. Institutions are preparing learners for a busy academic term. Free Day Junior School Education has been allocated Sh6.1 billion to support learners in the second tier of basic education and help institutions meet operational requirements.
The Competency-Based Education system continues to expand, and the funds will aid in its implementation. Free Primary Education has been allocated Sh1.4 billion to support learning in public primary schools. This disbursement is a relief to school heads who had raised concerns about the insufficient funds disbursed to schools this year. Ogamba emphasized that the government's commitment to ensuring learners have access to free and compulsory basic education is unwavering.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its duty to learners and educational institutions. Ogamba warned school heads and principals against the misuse of funds, directing them to ensure the money is spent prudently and for the benefit of learners. School administrators have been cautioned against imposing unauthorized levies on parents and learners. The Ministry will take firm action against institutions found to have misappropriated public resources or imposed illegal charges.
The warning comes as schools reopen for the third term, a period expected to be particularly demanding for institutions and learners due to 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.
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. The Ministry's commitment to ensuring that learners have access to quality education is evident in the timely release of capitation funds.
The release of Sh18.5 billion in capitation funds demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting education in Kenya. School administrators are expected to utilize these funds to provide essential services to learners, and the Ministry will monitor their usage to prevent misuse. With the third term underway, institutions are expected to focus on academic activities and assessments, and the government is working to ensure that learners have a conducive learning environment.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has released Sh18.5 billion in capitation funds to support public basic education institutions during the third term of 2026.
- The funds have been distributed across three major capitation programmes: Free Day Secondary Education, Free Day Junior School Education, and Free Primary Education.
- The government has warned school administrators against the misuse of funds and imposition of unauthorized levies on parents and learners.
