Sh7 billion capitation deficit threatens school operations, says principals
The principals have urged the Ministry of Education to resolve the issue urgently to ensure smooth operations in schools.
Secondary school principals have dismissed claims by the government that full capitation funds for the first term have been released, stating that schools are still short by Sh7 billion with just two weeks remaining before closure.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) insists that the disbursement remains incomplete, despite Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s announcement that Sh14 billion had been sent to schools.
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The principals argue that the Ministry of Education has only released half of the required amount.
“As we approach the end of the term, schools are still owed Sh2,303 per learner for the first term of 2025. We would like to respectfully remind the Ministry of Education that this amount is not the full capitation entitlement for our learners,” said Kessha Chair, Willy Kuria.
He further pointed out that secondary schools are grappling with an overall deficit of Sh7 billion for Term 1 of 2025.
“The Sh7 billion is in addition to the Sh60 billion owed to the Ministry of Education by the National Treasury in unfunded students by 2023,” Kuria added.
The principals have urged the Ministry of Education to resolve the issue urgently to ensure smooth operations in schools.
They warn that the financial crisis is affecting teachers, non-teaching staff, and service providers, with many institutions struggling to pay salaries and statutory deductions.
“This has opened a floodgate of lawsuits against schools,” Kuria noted.
Education CS Ogamba recently directed all schools to release withheld KCPE and KCSE certificates, terming the practice illegal. However, Kessha argues that fee arrears continue to burden schools unfairly.
“It is important to note that these fee arrears relate to services already rendered and goods already consumed by students, but the financial burden is unfairly borne by schools, whose financial situation is already constrained,” Kuria said.
Despite the financial shortfall, some school administrators have acknowledged the partial funding provided.
However, Kessha warns that schools may be forced to shut down prematurely if the remaining capitation is not disbursed soon.
“The factual information also aims to correct the misconception, as amplified by sections of the media, that full capitation has been disbursed, as claimed by the ministry,” Kuria added.
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