Government to release delayed Sh14 billion capitation funds for schools! The government has confirmed that it will begin releasing the delayed Sh14 billion capitation funds for schools this week, providing much-needed relief to institutions struggling with financial constraints.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the announcement, emphasizing that the Ministry of Education is working closely with the Treasury to ensure the funds reach schools without further delay.
Government’s Commitment to Disbursement
Ogamba reassured school administrators that the government is committed to fulfilling its financial obligations.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the balance is paid,” he stated, urging school heads not to send learners home due to financial shortages.
Government to release
He further clarified that it is the government’s responsibility to provide capitation funds, not that of parents.
The Ministry of Education has already engaged with the Treasury to assess the availability of resources for the immediate disbursement of funds.
A Plan to Prevent Future Delays
Beyond addressing the current delay, the ministry is working on a long-term plan to ensure capitation funds are released on time in future terms.
Ogamba acknowledged that previous disruptions had negatively impacted schools, teachers, and students, and assured stakeholders that the government is devising a permanent solution.
Breakdown of Capitation Funds
The government had initially committed to disbursing Sh28 billion for the first term. However, only half of this amount was released on January 30, leaving schools in a difficult financial position.
Capitation funds are allocated in three phases:
- 50% in the first term
- 30% in the second term
- 20% in the third term
These funds cover tuition fees and operational expenses for schools under the free education programs.
Per-Student Allocations
The government provides different capitation amounts depending on the education level:
- Primary school learners receive Sh1,420 per student under the Free Primary Education (FPE) program.
- Junior secondary students receive Sh15,042 per learner.
- Secondary school students receive Sh22,244 per student under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program.
School Heads Threaten to Release Students
The delay in releasing funds has put significant financial pressure on schools, with many struggling to pay suppliers, purchase learning materials, and cover operational costs.
Last week, school heads, through the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), threatened to send students home if the government failed to disburse the pending funds.
They cited rising debts and an inability to sustain school operations as key reasons for the ultimatum.
Government Urged to Prioritize Education
Education stakeholders have urged the government to make education funding a priority, warning that continued delays in capitation could negatively impact learning quality and student performance.
Teachers’ unions, parents, and education experts have called for a more structured and reliable disbursement process to prevent recurring financial crises in schools.
What’s Next?
With the Sh14 billion disbursement expected to begin this week, schools may finally receive the funds they desperately need to operate smoothly.
However, long-term reforms are necessary to ensure predictable and timely capitation disbursements, preventing similar financial struggles in the future.
For now, schools and parents await the government’s next move, hoping that this marks the beginning of a more stable education funding system in the country.
