Public schools to receive Sh21 billion capitation funds from Monday

Addressing education stakeholders, Ogamba attributed the delay to competition for limited government resources but confirmed that the Treasury had committed to the release.
Public schools are set to receive Sh21 billion in capitation funds starting Monday, bringing much-needed relief to institutions struggling with delays that have disrupted the second term.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the long-awaited disbursement during the Inaugural Education Conference 2026 at Lake Naivasha Resort, assuring school heads that the funds would be released by the end of next week.
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Addressing education stakeholders, Ogamba attributed the delay to competition for limited government resources but confirmed that the Treasury had committed to the release.
"While the delay was unfortunate, we have been in constant consultation with the Treasury and are now committed to ensuring the funds are disbursed promptly. This support is critical to sustaining operations in public schools," he said.
The announcement comes amid growing concern from school administrators, many of whom reopened for the second term without receiving the requisite funding.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) had earlier raised the alarm over the strain on school operations, warning that the delays could negatively impact learning.
In response to reports that some schools had turned to parents to bridge the funding gap, the Education CS cautioned against unauthorised levies.
"We are aware of some principals collecting illegal levies from unsuspecting parents. This must stop. Any headteacher found culpable will face disciplinary action," he warned.
Ogamba also addressed the forthcoming transition of learners from Grade Nine to Grade Ten, stating that consultations with key stakeholders were ongoing to ensure a seamless process. He confirmed that the Ministry is engaging widely in the next phase of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout.
To strengthen oversight, the Cabinet Secretary instructed County Directors of Education to ensure proper utilisation of government funds at the school level and urged vigilance against misuse. He emphasised the importance of accountability among school administrators, especially with the imminent disbursement of funds.
Ogamba also called for heightened alertness among education officials regarding rising cases of student unrest, particularly during the second term, which has seen recurrent incidents in recent years.
"We have observed a consistent rise in student unrest during this period. School heads and education officers must act to curb this worrying trend," he said.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok also addressed the gathering, endorsing the CS Ogamba’s position on reforms and the need for improved financial systems.
Bitok stated that the Ministry would leverage the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to streamline future disbursements and ensure the accurate allocation of resources.
He added that existing gaps in the capitation process required urgent attention, and noted that the proposed reforms would help lay a stronger foundation for the country’s education system.
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