Government Disburses Sh18.5 Billion Capitation to Support Public Schools in Term Three

The Kenyan government has released Sh18.5 billion in capitation funds to support public basic education institutions during the third term of 2026, coinciding with the reopening of schools nationwide.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the funds have been disbursed and will assist learners from pre-primary through senior secondary levels. The allocation aims to ensure smooth school operations and uninterrupted learning activities.

Distribution of Funds

• Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE): Sh10.963 billion allocated to public day secondary schools to support operational costs.
• Free Day Junior School Education: Sh6.1 billion designated to junior schools to facilitate the expanding Competency-Based Education system.
• Free Primary Education: Sh1.4 billion provided to public primary schools to support learning activities.

The capitation release comes as a relief to school administrators who had expressed concerns over insufficient funding earlier in the year.

Government Commitment and Accountability

CS Ogamba emphasized the government's dedication to providing free and compulsory basic education as guaranteed under Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution. He urged school heads to use the funds responsibly and warned against misappropriation or the imposition of unauthorized fees on parents and learners.

"We will take firm action against any verified cases of misuse of public resources or illegal levies," Ogamba stated. The Ministry of Education aims to hold school administrators accountable to ensure capitation funds directly benefit learners.

The third term is expected to be academically demanding, with numerous assessments planned, making the timely disbursement of these funds critical for school operations.