The government has released Ksh18.5 billion in Term Three capitation, offering schools fresh funding as learners return for the final term amid mounting concerns over persistent shortages.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed on August 24 that Ksh18,508,271,486.60 had been disbursed to support learners across public basic education institutions.
The release is intended to ease pressure on schools as they reopen for a crucial term involving learning, national assessments and preparations for examinations.
Ksh18.5 Billion Released for Term Three
The latest allocation covers public pre-primary, primary, junior and senior schools across the country.
Free Primary Education has received Ksh1.4 billion, while Free Day Junior School Education has been allocated Ksh6.14 billion.
Free Day Secondary Education has received the largest share at approximately Ksh10.96 billion, reflecting the higher operational demands associated with senior secondary education.
Ogamba directed school heads and principals to use the funds prudently and warned against imposing unauthorised charges on parents.
The directive comes as households continue to face pressure from the rising cost of education.
Schools Still Face a Ksh5,787 Funding Gap
Despite the latest disbursement, school heads and teachers' unions have questioned whether the money released is enough to meet actual institutional needs.
KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima warned that schools remain under financial strain because of pending bills and fragmented capitation releases.
According to the union, the government is expected to provide Ksh22,244 per learner annually, meaning the funds released so far remain below the stated allocation.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association has similarly raised concerns over the funding gap.
The association estimates that schools have received about Ksh16,456.60 per learner, leaving a Ksh5,787.40 shortfall.
Parents Remain Caught in the Funding Crisis
The funding deficit could have direct consequences for parents.
When government capitation fails to cover schools' operational expenses, institutions often turn to parents to bridge the gap.
KUPPET has warned that the continued funding shortfalls could push school heads to seek additional contributions from families.
This creates a difficult situation for households that already meet expenses for uniforms, transport, meals, accommodation and other education-related needs.
Ogamba's warning against unauthorised levies therefore places school administrators under pressure to operate within the funds available while maintaining essential services.
KUPPET Questions Schools’ Readiness
The latest release has not completely resolved concerns about the financial preparedness of schools.
Nthurima said institutions were reopening while carrying debts accumulated from previous terms.
He attributed part of the problem to fragmented disbursement of capitation, which has made it difficult for schools to plan and settle their obligations.
For school administrators, receiving funds late or in insufficient amounts can affect their ability to pay suppliers, purchase learning materials and maintain essential services.
The problem becomes more serious during the final term when schools are also preparing candidates for national examinations.
Ruto Government Defends Capitation Releases
The funding dispute has also become politically charged.
President William Ruto has previously insisted that capitation funds had been released directly to school accounts and dismissed claims of delayed funding as politically motivated.
The latest Ksh18.5 billion disbursement provides the government with fresh evidence of its commitment to financing public education.
However, teachers' unions and school heads argue that the central issue is not simply whether money has been released, but whether the amount matches the government's stated allocation per learner.
That gap remains at the centre of the dispute.
Final Term Begins Under Financial Pressure
The release provides schools with additional resources as the academic year enters its final stretch.
But the funding figures reveal a deeper problem.
The government has released billions of shillings, yet schools continue reporting debts and shortages because the money remains below the annual capitation level.
The coming weeks will therefore test whether the latest allocation can ease the financial pressure or whether schools will once again turn to parents and suppliers to fill the gap.
For thousands of schools preparing learners for the final academic assessments, the question is no longer simply whether capitation has been released.
It is whether the money reaching schools is enough to keep them running without pushing the funding burden back onto already stretched Kenyan families.
