Relief for Schools: Government Disburses Sh22 Billion for Term 2 Capitation After Delays, CS Ogamba Warns Against Misuse

Nairobi, Kenya – In a much-anticipated move, the Kenyan government has disbursed Sh22 billion in capitation funds for Term 2, aiming to support learners across all public basic education institutions. The announcement, made by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, comes as a relief to schools that had been grappling with operational challenges due to delayed funding.

CS Ogamba detailed the allocation, stating, "A total of Sh22,028,911,191.40 has been allocated across various levels of basic education." This substantial sum is broken down as follows: Sh1,370,196,684.55 for Free Primary Education; Sh8,900,424,491.35 for Free Day Junior School Education; Sh118,417,921.35 specifically for Special Needs Education within Junior Schools; and the largest portion, Sh11,639,872,094.40, for Free Day Secondary Education.

“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the smooth running of school activities during the new term,” Ogamba affirmed. He emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to upholding every child's constitutional right to free and compulsory basic education, as enshrined in Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution.

The disbursement follows a period of uncertainty for many schools, which had reportedly struggled with unpaid staff salaries and disruptions to academic programs due to the funding delay. The capitation had been promised earlier in May, and its arrival is now expected to stabilize school operations.

With the funds now available, CS Ogamba issued a stern warning to school administrators regarding their use. He urged school heads and principals to ensure the "prudent use of the public resources entrusted to them for the benefit of learners." The Cabinet Secretary was unequivocal about the consequences of financial mismanagement, cautioning against the imposition of any unauthorized levies on parents or guardians. "As a Ministry, we will take decisive action against any misuse of resources or unlawful charges imposed on learners," Ogamba stated firmly. He further reiterated his call for stakeholders to closely monitor the utilization of government funds to guarantee they serve their intended educational purposes.