Schools Receive Ksh18.5 Billion as Third Term Begins

President William Ruto Distributes Exam Papers to Stodents

Public schools across Kenya have received Ksh18.5 billion in capitation as learners return for the third term of the 2026 academic year.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the release on Monday, August 24, saying the funds will support operations in public basic education institutions.

Primary and Secondary Schools Get Funding

Free Primary Education programmes received Ksh1.4 billion under the latest disbursement.

The government allocated Ksh6.14 billion to Free Day Junior School Education for learners in Grades 7 to 9.

Free Day Secondary Education received Ksh10.96 billion, the largest portion of the funds, to support learners in Grades 10 to 12.

Ministry Warns Against Unauthorised Levies

Ogamba asked school heads to use the funds responsibly and avoid demanding extra payments from parents.

The directive comes as families face financial pressure from school-related expenses.

School Heads Raise Funding Concerns

The latest disbursement has not ended concerns over capitation levels.

KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima said schools continue to struggle with unpaid bills because of delays and fragmented government payments.

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association also questioned whether the latest allocation can cover schools’ needs.

KSSHA estimates that the Ksh18.5 billion allocation translates to about Ksh16,456 per learner, leaving a gap of approximately Ksh5,787 against the annual allocation.

The government maintains that the funds will help schools run smoothly during the new term.