Nearly all schools comply with enrolment audit; 3,000 get capitation funding

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-06 EAT.

Almost all public primary and secondary schools (32,000) have submitted updated learner enrolment data as part of a government verification exercise. So far, 3,000 institutions have been cleared and received capitation funds.

The Latest

• Compliance: 32,000 (98%) schools have submitted required data, aligned to Ministry templates.

• Funding: 3,000 verified schools have received third-term capitation funds. More funds expected disbursed by end of next week. 

• Deadline Extension: New submission deadline set for Friday, September 12, 2025. 

Context in Brief

• The clean-up follows Auditor-General and parliamentary concerns over ghost schools and inflated enrolment figures.

• The exercise aims to ensure capitation funds reach genuine schools and rightful learners.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Requirement: Schools must submit learner UPI (birth certificate), school registration number, and certified bank details via sub-county offices.

• Process: Verification at the Ministry’s HQ before releasing funds; failure to comply may result in sanctions.

Voices and Stakeholders

• PS Julius Bitok: “We received data from all 32,000 schools … initial challenges with format now resolved.” He warned non-compliant schools of severe consequences.

• Masii Boys High School: Commended as the first in Machakos to submit data and receive funds, enabling smooth operations. 

Evidence & Data

Risks and Implications

• Equity: Accurate records critical for fair funding across counties.

• Accountability: Audits strengthen systems against fraud and misuse.

• Access: Connectivity issues may hinder primary schools’ ability to receive timely funding.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• The exact number of primary schools still lagging behind in compliance.

• Whether penalties will be enforced against defaulting institutions.

• How quickly remaining schools will receive verified funds post-deadline.

Timeline

• Early Sept 2025: Issuance of submission directive following audit.

• Sept 5: PS Bitok confirms 3,000 schools funded.

• Sept 12: Final submission deadline.

• By end of next week: Expected full disbursement to compliant schools.

What to Watch

• Ministry updates on full disbursement rollout.

• Intervention measures for non-compliant schools.

• Impact of clean-up on overall educational funding equity.