Julius Ogamba, CS for education
The government has released KSh44.2 billion in capitation funds for Term One to support learners in all public basic education institutions across the country, ahead of the opening of the 2026 academic calendar on Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos said the funds will benefit public primary, junior, and secondary schools under the government’s free education programmes.
According to the Ministry of Education, Free Day Secondary Education received the largest share, amounting to Sh26.08 billion. Free Day Junior School Education was allocated Sh14.4 billion, while Free Primary Education received Sh3.7 billion.
The Cabinet Secretary directed school heads to ensure prudent and accountable use of the funds, warning against the imposition of unauthorised levies or extra fees on parents and guardians.
“School administrators must utilise the capitation strictly for its intended purpose to enhance the quality of education and ease the financial burden on families,” Migos said.
The Ministry further confirmed that fees payable by learners in senior schools remain unchanged, with the government continuing to provide capitation at the rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year.
In addition, Grade 10 learners seeking to review their senior school placement have been advised to submit their requests between January 6 and January 9, 2026. The Ministry said placement review requests can be initiated through the learner’s junior school or directly at the preferred senior school.
Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective senior schools from January 12, 2026, as the transition to senior school continues under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
The release of the funds is expected to ensure a smooth start to the new academic year and support the continued implementation of free basic education across the country.