Government commits to disbursing complete capitation funds to public secondary schools.

The government has recently declared its intention to increase the capitation funds allocated to public secondary schools, raising the amount from KSh 17,000 to KSh 22,244. This decision was attributed to the improved economic stability in the country, with Ministry of Education (MoE) Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu explaining that the previous reduction to KSh 17,000 was a response to challenging economic conditions.

Cabinet Secretary Machogu emphasized that as the country’s economic situation has improved, the MoE is now committed to disbursing the recommended capitation funds to public secondary schools. The decision is expected to positively impact the education sector, providing much-needed financial support to schools.

In the year 2023, the Ministry of Education faced a significant challenge with a KSh 22 billion shortfall, resulting in the disbursement of only 68 percent of the recommended capitation per learner. Cabinet Secretary Machogu discussed these challenges during a Stakeholders Forum on the ‘Draft Sessional Paper and Bills to Implement the Recommendations of the Working Party’ held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education.

Furthermore, in December 2023, heads of secondary schools urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to take action and compel the government to release the full capitation funds for students in the ongoing financial year. This plea from school leaders underscores the importance of adequate financial support for the education sector to ensure the well-being and quality education of students.