Education CS Julius Ogamba summoned by MPs over delays in school capitation funds
The legislators expressed concern that, despite assurances from the Ministry of Education, schools are still struggling to access essential funds needed for operations ahead of national examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has been summoned to appear before the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to explain delays in disbursing school capitation funds, amid frustrations from MPs over continued financial strain in schools across the country.
In a session on Tuesday, the legislators expressed concern that, despite assurances from the Ministry of Education, schools are still struggling to access essential funds needed for operations ahead of national examinations.
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed Ogamba to appear in person, emphasising that Cabinet Secretaries must account for commitments made on the House floor.
Appearing before the House last week, Ogamba said the Office of the Auditor General reported that some of the schools that received capitation from the Ministry of Education were non-existent. He noted that on October 8, 2025, the Ministry launched a verification exercise to establish the actual number of schools and learners, to enhance transparency and ensure only verified institutions receive government funding.
However, MPs expressed frustration that the delays persist. Leader of the Majority Party and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah stressed that failing to honour parliamentary commitments undermines public trust.
“When you come to this House to make commitments, you do so on behalf of the people of Kenya. It is unacceptable to make pronouncements and fail to act. I will reach out to the Cabinet Secretary and report back to the House with a detailed response,” he said.
In response, Speaker Wetang’ula directed Ichung’wah to have the CS appear before the house on Wednesday.
“I direct you to get the Minister here tomorrow at 3:00 pm to speak for himself and his Ministry. Any promises made on the floor of this House must be accounted for,” he said.
Minority Leader Junet Mohammed accused the Ministry of disregarding Parliament.
“The Executive has forgotten that they are answerable to Parliament. The government has all the tools to determine the number of students and schools within hours. Taking a whole year to verify figures is unacceptable,” he said.
Education Committee Chairperson, Julius Melly, warned that schools are in crisis ahead of national exams.
“Schools cannot purchase laboratory equipment or essential supplies because the funds have not been released. The CS and PS must be compelled to act immediately,” he said.
Deputy Majority Leader, Owen Baya, added, “When a CS comes here to make a statement, it must be authentic. Schools across the country are grounded. If he made a commitment that has not been honoured, then he has misled the House.”
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu proposed that capitation be classified as a recurrent expenditure to ensure timely disbursement.
“Capitation should be treated like salaries—paid promptly and not subject to delays,” he said.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari demanded accountability for the location of the funds.
“If the money has left the Treasury, where is it sitting today? This House must not speak in vain,” she said.
Wetang’ula maintained that the Cabinet Secretary must appear on Wednesday to address the concerns and clarify the status of school capitation funds.
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