Kenya's promise of free public education is facing its most severe test as school principals resort to taking personal loans and buying food on credit to keep classroom doors open. A crippling delay in the disbursement of government capitation funds has left schools in a financial crisis, threatening to disrupt learning for millions of children and forcing some institutions to consider early closures.

The crisis stems from a significant shortfall in funds disbursed by the National Treasury. While the approved annual capitation is KES 22,244 per secondary student, schools have received far less, with disbursements for the first term of 2025 being only half of the intended amount. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) reports that the government owes schools billions in arrears from previous terms, creating a cumulative debt that has crippled daily operations.

A System Running on Fumes

The consequences of the funding gap are being felt directly in the classroom and school compounds. Headteachers, caught between government directives not to charge extra fees and the reality of running their institutions, are facing immense pressure from suppliers demanding payment for essential goods and services. "We are playing hide and seek with contractors who are camping in our offices seeking payment," KESSHA chairperson Willy Kuria noted, highlighting that school utility bills for water and electricity are also accumulating.

The situation has a profound human cost, directly impacting the well-being and future of students. Key school programs are now under threat:

• School Feeding Programs: Crucial for keeping children from vulnerable backgrounds in school, these programs are struggling due to financial constraints and inconsistent government support.
• Essential Supplies: Many schools are finding it difficult to purchase basic learning materials like chalk and textbooks, directly affecting the quality of education.
• Co-curricular Activities: Funding shortfalls have limited access to sports, arts, and clubs that enrich students' educational experiences.
• Staff Morale: Non-teaching staff face salary delays, and some schools have been forced to lay off workers, increasing the burden on remaining employees.

Conflicting Signals and Calls for Intervention

While school heads grapple with the crisis on the ground, government statements have been conflicting. President William Ruto has defended his administration's investment in education, pointing to an increased overall budget for the sector aimed at improving infrastructure and hiring more teachers. The President emphasized that the government has increased the education budget to KES 702 billion this year, framing it as a core part of strengthening the nation's human capital.

However, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury have acknowledged the severe delays and underfunding before Parliament. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba attributed some delays to an ongoing audit to weed out "ghost schools" that have been irregularly receiving funds. This verification process, however, has dragged on, leaving legitimate schools stranded. Amid the confusion, teachers' unions have warned of a looming shutdown, urging the government to release the funds or risk nationwide school closures.

As school leaders, parents, and students look to the State for a solution, the sustainability of free education in Kenya hangs precariously in the balance. The crisis is no longer just about numbers in a budget; it is about the future of a generation at risk of being left behind.