The government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced the release of Ksh 21.8 billion in capitation funds for learners in all public basic education institutions.

The announcement comes just two days before the opening of schools for the third term, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Capitation funds distribution

The allocated funds are distributed across different levels of basic education, with Free Primary Education receiving Ksh 1.6 billion, Free Day Junior School Education allocated Ksh 6.1 billion, and Free Day Secondary Education receiving Ksh 14.1 billion, bringing the total to Ksh 21.8 billion.

“In readiness for the new school term starting on 26th August 2024, the government has released Ksh 21,879,307,912.48 as capitation for learners in all public basic education institutions. The amount is apportioned as follows: Free Primary Education: Ksh 1,623,828,995.40; Free Day Junior School Education: Ksh 6,109,654,633.94; and Free Day Secondary Education: Ksh 14,145,824,283.14, totaling Ksh 21,879,307,912.48,” a statement signed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos reads.

According to Ogamba, the funds have been released to ensure a seamless start to the third term.

“The release of capitation funds before the commencement of the new school term will facilitate the seamless resumption of school activities. The government reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its duty to learners, in line with Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution, which entitles every child to free and compulsory basic education,” he added.

CS warning

The Cabinet Secretary also issued a stern warning to school heads against imposing unauthorised levies on students and emphasised that the ministry would address any cases of misappropriation of resources.

“School heads and principals are directed to ensure the prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners and to desist from imposing any unauthorized levies. As a ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorized levies,” he concluded.