Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has dismissed claims that the government plans to reduce school capitation funds, assuring parents that allocations to public institutions remain unchanged.
Speaking at Kiambu National Polytechnic during the inauguration of the National Dual TVET Policy, the CS clarified that the government has not reviewed or cut money remitted to schools for learners.
“There is no plan to reduce capitation for schools as erroneously reported by sections of the media. The government has not reviewed the money remitted to schools for learners. The approved capitation remains at Ksh1,420 for primary schools, Ksh15,042 for junior high schools, and Ksh22,244 for high schools per student per term in keeping with the government policy of Compulsory Free Basic Education. No boarding fees have been increased,” Migos said.
The CS’s remarks come amid growing speculation and media reports suggesting that the Ministry of Education had slashed school funding to manage budget pressures. Under the Free Primary Education and Free Day Secondary Education programmes, the government provides capitation grants to ensure all learners have access to compulsory basic education as guaranteed by Article 53 of the Constitution.
According to official ministry data, public primary schools receive Ksh1,420 per learner annually, junior secondary learners are allocated Ksh15,042, while each day secondary student receives Ksh22,244 per year. However, school heads have in recent months raised concerns over delayed or incomplete disbursements, which have strained operations in many institutions. Some principals have reported receiving less than the approved amounts, making it difficult to manage running costs and purchase essential supplies.
Earlier this year, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged challenges in fully financing the education sector, noting that fiscal constraints had affected the timely release of funds. Meanwhile, the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) has called for a review of the capitation formula, arguing that the current rates no longer reflect the rising cost of living and inflation.
Despite these concerns, the Education Ministry maintains that the capitation policy remains intact and that any reports of a reduction are inaccurate. Migos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining free basic education, assuring parents that no additional boarding or tuition fees have been sanctioned.
The statement offers relief to parents worried about potential fee hikes but also highlights the persistent gap between government policy and on-the-ground realities. While the approved rates remain the same, schools continue to grapple with delayed funding, which undermines the smooth running of academic programs.
The Ministry of Education has urged school administrators to manage available resources prudently as the government works to ensure consistent disbursement of funds to all public institutions.
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