Gov’t releases Sh44.2bn capitation for Term One

By Newsflash Reporter

The Government has released Sh44.24 billion in capitation funds for Term One of the 2026 academic year, offering relief to public basic education institutions ahead of school reopening next week.

In a press statement issued on January 2, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that all public schools will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, as scheduled in the national academic calendar.

He said the timely release of funds is intended to ensure smooth learning operations and uninterrupted delivery of education services across the country.

According to the Ministry of Education, field officers under Regional and County Directors of Education will monitor compliance with the reopening date to ensure adherence to the academic calendar. The reopening follows the end of the Christmas and New Year holidays, marking the official start of the 2026 academic year for basic education institutions nationwide.

The ministry said the availability of capitation funds before reopening will enable schools to meet operational costs, including learning materials, utilities and co-curricular activities. School heads have been instructed to use the funds prudently and strictly for the benefit of learners.

Grade 10 placement window reopens

The statement also provided an update on placements for the first cohort transitioning to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The first revision of Grade 10 placements was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions made available online from December 30 through the Ministry’s placement portal.

Parents, guardians and learners who are dissatisfied with their placement will have another opportunity to apply for a review between January 6 and January 9, 2026.

Requests must be supported by legitimate and verifiable grounds and submitted by the head of the learner’s Junior School or the preferred Senior School through the official portal.

The ministry said the review process is aimed at ensuring equitable access to education, optimal utilization of available school spaces, and resolution of genuine placement challenges. Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective Senior Schools starting January 12, 2026.

Sh44.2bn released for Term One capitation

The Government released a total of Sh44,245,066,500.85 as capitation for Term One, 2026. Of this amount, Sh3.7 billion has been allocated to Free Primary Education, Sh14.45 billion to Free Day Junior School Education, and Sh26.08 billion to Free Day Secondary Education.

Ogamba reaffirmed that school fees for Senior Schools remain unchanged and that the Government will continue providing capitation at the rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year.

He cautioned school administrators against imposing additional levies, warning that the ministry will take firm action against any verified cases of misappropriation or illegal charges.

The Education Ministry reiterated the Government’s commitment to Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education, as schools prepare to welcome learners for the new academic year.