The Education Ministry has disbursed Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 to public basic education institutions for Term One 2026. The funds are allocated across secondary, junior, and primary levels to ensure schools are resourced as learners return on January 5, 2026. School leaders are urged to manage the money responsibly without imposing unauthorized fees.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the release of capitation funds to support public basic education institutions ahead of the new term. The total disbursement stands at Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 for Term One 2026, broken down as follows: Free Day Secondary Education receives Ksh 26,082,798,334.75; Free Day Junior School Education gets Ksh 14,459,193,520.00; and Free Primary Education is allocated Ksh 3,703,074,646.10.
Grade 10 learners are set to join Senior Schools for the first time on January 12, 2026. "The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and educational institutions, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution that entitles every child to free and compulsory basic education," Ogamba stated.
The Ministry confirmed that fees for senior schools remain unchanged, with capitation fixed at Ksh 22,244 per learner annually. School administrators are directed to use the funds prudently and avoid unauthorized levies. "School heads and principals are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners, and to desist from imposing any extra levies or fees," the CS emphasized.
Verified instances of resource misappropriation or unauthorized fee collection will attract strict action from the Ministry. This timely funding ensures smooth operations as millions of Kenyan children return to classes this week.
