The government has released Ksh 23.4 billion in capitation funding for basic education institutions ahead of the second term.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, addressing Members of Parliament during a session of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), confirmed that money is expected to be credited to public primary and secondary school accounts by Friday, April 24.
The release comes as schools prepare for a full academic term on Monday 27 2026 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which requires adequate resources to implement effectively.
Treasury releases funds for timely school operations
Bitok confirmed that the capitation funds had been received from the National Treasury and were being processed for immediate transfer to schools.
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“We have received money from the National Treasury, and today we are going to wire the Sh23.4 billion capitation,” Bitok told the Public Accounts Committee.
Capitation will cover both primary and secondary schools under the government’s Free Primary Education and Free Day Secondary Education program.
The funds are intended to support essential school operations, including procurement of learning materials, payment of utilities, administrative expenses, and co-curricular activities.
Government Assures Stability in the School Reopening Process
Bitok has maintained that early disbursement of funds is part of the government’s efforts to stabilize school operations and prevent disruptions experienced in previous terms due to delayed disbursement.
“The release of capitation before April 27 will enable schools to operate smoothly, while the distribution of Grade 10 textbooks guarantees that learners have the resources they need to succeed,” he said, speaking in Makueni, on March 31.
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Speaking during the National Drama Festival Concert at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, April 17, President William Ruto directed the Ministry to ensure that all the Ksh23 billion capitation for the second term is remitted to schools on time.
“As we did last year, we made sure that money meant for capitation arrives before the opening of the schools. The Minister for Education is here, and he is to ensure that the Ksh23 billion meant for capitation arrives on time before opening,” said Ruto.
Capitation is the main financier of Kenya’s public basic education system, as the funds are used to purchase learning materials, infrastructure, and support essential services required for daily operations.
Bitok assured that the Ministry of Education is working closely with the National Treasury to ensure that allocations are disbursed in line with the school calendar.
