Gov’t denies reducing school capitation

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has affirmed that the government’s policy on capitation allocation for secondary school students remains unchanged, despite growing concerns over reduced funding at the school level.

Addressing the press in Kisii County, he stated that the ministry’s official allocation per student remains at Ksh 22,244, as set under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme. However, he acknowledged that budgetary constraints, driven by the rising number of learners due to the 100% transition policy, have made it challenging to fully meet the allocation.

“Free and compulsory basic education is a constitutional right of every child, pursuant to Article 53 of the Constitution. The Government has neither the intention nor the power to abrogate this sacrosanct right”, he said.

Ogamba is, however, proposing the consolidation of all education bursaries to meet the growing student enrollment.

The CS clarified that while the official allocation has not been revised, the actual amount reaching schools per student for the 2025–2026 financial year stands at Ksh 16,900.

To address the current resource gap, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury assured will continue to proactively lobby the National Assembly to allocate more resources, even for other education programmes, to ensure that all learners are funded at the approved rates.

“The Government will work to fulfil its duty of providing access to quality education for all our children”, he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. He said the Kenya Kwanza administration will not roll back on the gains made from the initiative by Presidents Kibaki and Uhuru on Education.

Speaking in Bungoma during a women empowerment event, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to ignore the naysayers claiming the Ruto Administration is abolishing free Primary education.

The Deputy President highlighted development projects being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza administration in the region.