As the new academic year begins, the Kenyan government has disbursed Sh48.4 billion in capitation funds to public primary and secondary schools nationwide. This financial injection, representing 50% of the total capitation for the 2025 academic year, is aimed at addressing persistent financial challenges that schools have grappled with in previous years.
In a statement, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the allocation breakdown, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring smooth operations as schools reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Breakdown of Capitation Funds
The Sh48.4 billion allocation is divided across various educational levels to meet the diverse needs of learners:
1. Public Primary Schools
Public primary schools have received Sh4.1 billion to cater to their immediate operational and instructional needs. This ensures that these institutions can continue to provide quality education and sustain programs for millions of learners.
2. Day Junior Secondary Schools
Sh15.3 billion has been disbursed to support Day Junior Secondary Schools as they accommodate the Grade 9 cohort transitioning to Junior Secondary.
3. Day Secondary Schools
The largest share, Sh28.9 billion, has been allocated to Day Secondary Schools to alleviate financial constraints and guarantee uninterrupted learning for students.
The CS emphasized that the funds will enable schools to retain learners and reduce the likelihood of students being sent home for non-payment of fees. “We are working with the National Treasury to ensure timely disbursement of funds to support our schools and alleviate financial pressures,” Ogamba stated.
Term-Wise Capitation Disbursement Plan
To maintain consistent funding throughout the academic year, the Ministry of Education has planned a staggered disbursement of funds:
- Term One: 50% of the total capitation has been released.
- Term Two: 30% of the funds will be disbursed.
- Term Three: The remaining 20% will be released.
This approach is designed to ensure that schools have sufficient resources at the start of each term, promoting better financial management and operational stability.
Grade 9 Transition and Infrastructure Readiness
With the transition of learners into Grade 9 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the government has focused on expanding and upgrading infrastructure in public schools. According to CS Ogamba, 93% of the construction of 16,000 classrooms designated for Junior Secondary has been completed.
For schools where classroom construction has not been finalized, the Ministry has encouraged institution heads to adopt temporary measures to accommodate learners. “We urge schools to merge streams where possible to optimize space and ensure a seamless transition for Grade 9 learners,” Ogamba said.
Additionally, the government has distributed 9.9 million textbooks to schools across the country, ensuring that learners have access to essential learning materials. “The textbook distribution is expected to be completed by Monday, January 6, 2025, in time for the reopening,” the CS confirmed.
Release of 2024 KCSE Results
In keeping with tradition, the Ministry of Education has announced that the results of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination will be released within the first two weeks of January. This timeline aligns with past practices and will allow students and parents to plan accordingly for the next stages of education.
Government Commitment to Education
The government’s move to release half of the annual capitation funds upfront is a significant step in addressing the financial constraints that have long plagued public schools. These funds will ensure that schools can maintain their operations without disruptions, keep learners in class, and reduce the financial burden on parents.
CS Ogamba reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering quality education and addressing systemic challenges. “Our priority is to create an environment where every learner has access to quality education without financial hindrances. We will continue to work with stakeholders to achieve this goal,” he stated.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, several challenges remain. The delayed completion of some classrooms could disrupt the transition of Grade 9 learners. The Ministry’s directive to merge streams and construct temporary structures underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure gaps.
Moreover, while the disbursement of funds is a positive step, the efficiency and transparency in the utilization of these resources will be critical. School heads must prioritize accountability to ensure that the funds are used effectively for the benefit of learners.
The disbursement of Sh48.4 billion in capitation funds marks a promising start to the 2025 academic year. By prioritizing funding, infrastructure development, and resource distribution, the government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the education sector.
As schools reopen, it is essential for all stakeholders—government, educators, parents, and students—to work collaboratively to overcome challenges and ensure that every learner has access to quality education. With infrastructure improvements nearing completion and learning materials distributed, Kenya’s education system is poised for a productive year ahead.
