The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has warned that schools could send students home over a Ksh6,000 per-learner capitation shortfall as the third and final term begins.
KUPPET says schools are receiving about Ksh16,000 per learner against the statutory annual capitation of Ksh22,244, leaving institutions struggling to meet essential operational costs.
The union says the funding gap could increase pressure on parents as schools deal with food, electricity, water, learning materials and other expenses during the final term.
Schools Face Ksh6,000 Capitation Shortfall
Speaking in Vihiga, KUPPET Executive Secretary Charles Otiende said the shortfall was increasingly being transferred to parents.
He warned that school heads could eventually have little choice but to seek additional payments to keep their institutions operating.
“I want to tell the general public that the money sent to schools is Ksh16,000 and the deficit of Ksh6,000 is being pushed to be paid by parents,” Otiende said.
He warned parents not to be surprised if some students are sent home to clear outstanding fees.
Schools Struggle With Rising Operational Costs
The concerns come as school heads and teachers report that the capitation received so far remains below the expected annual allocation.
Some institutions are reportedly accumulating debts to suppliers while struggling to finance basic services needed to keep schools running.
The pressure could become greater during the final term, when schools face additional expenses associated with national examinations and other academic activities.
KUPPET and school heads' associations have continued to raise concerns that the funding reaching schools is insufficient to meet their needs.
Government Says Ksh18.51 Billion Has Been Released
The government maintains that it has released Ksh18.51 billion in Term Three capitation to public basic education institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has also warned schools against imposing unauthorised levies on parents.
However, education stakeholders argue that the amount reaching individual schools remains inadequate compared with their financial obligations.
The disagreement highlights the continuing challenge of ensuring that government funding reaches schools in sufficient amounts and on time.
KUPPET Orders Teachers to Withdraw From KNEC Duties
The capitation dispute is not the only issue confronting teachers as schools resume the final term.
KUPPET has also advised its members in Vihiga to withdraw from Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) duties until the council provides clear contracts and improves remuneration for teachers undertaking examination-related assignments.
“We are advising our members to withdraw totally from any KNEC duties until KNEC gives us a clear contract,” Otiende said.
The union accused KNEC of subjecting teachers to unfair labour practices.
Teachers Push for New Job Groups
KUPPET is also pressing the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to move forward with proposed job groups for teachers.
The union says the unresolved issue is adding to the challenges facing educators at a time when schools are already struggling with inadequate funding.
The capitation shortfall, examination-duty dispute and stalled job-group proposals have therefore created multiple areas of tension between teachers and government agencies.
Final Term Begins Under Financial Pressure
As schools begin the final term of the 2026 academic year, KUPPET says inadequate capitation could place further financial pressure on both institutions and parents.
The union wants the government to address the funding gap and ensure schools receive sufficient resources to meet their obligations without shifting the burden to families.
Without additional funding, KUPPET warns that some schools could be forced to demand payments from parents or send students home, potentially disrupting learning during a critical period of the academic year.
