The Ministry of Education has announced that all basic education institutions in Kenya will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, marking the start of the new academic year.

In a statement released on Friday, January 2, 2025, Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the Ministry will monitor schools closely to ensure they follow the academic calendar.

The government has also released Ksh44,245,066,500.85 as capitation for Term One. The funds are intended to support smooth operations in all public basic education institutions. Of the total amount, Ksh3.7 billion will go to free primary education, Ksh14.4 billion to free day junior school education, and Ksh26.1 billion to free day secondary education.

“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” the Cabinet Secretary said. He emphasised that Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective senior schools from January 12, 2026.

The ministry also provided an update on the placement of learners into Senior School Grade 10. The first revision of placements was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions made available on the placement portal from December 30.

Parents, guardians and learners who wish to seek a further review can submit requests from January 6 to 9, 2026. Requests should be initiated through the learner’s Junior School or at the Senior School of interest and processed through the official placement portal.

The Cabinet Secretary reminded school heads and principals to ensure the funds are used prudently. He warned against the imposition of extra levies or fees on learners, stating that the ministry will take strict action against any verified cases of misappropriation.

“Heads of institutions are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners,” Ogamba said.

Capitation for Senior Schools remain unchanged

The government reiterated its commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution. Capitation for Senior Schools will continue at the rate of Ksh22,244 per learner per year, and fees payable by learners will remain unchanged.

This comes amid concerns previously raised by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, who criticised a proposed reduction of capitation for day secondary schools. Speaking in November 2025, Ndindi warned that cutting capitation from Ksh22,000 to Ksh12,000 per learner would force parents to pay additional fees and undermine free education.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had also acknowledged that for several years, the government has been unable to provide the full capitation per learner. He revealed that secondary schools have been receiving Ksh16,900 instead of the required Ksh22,244, while junior schools received Ksh10,000 of the Ksh15,042 required.

Mbadi explained that increasing enrolment and competing fiscal priorities, including debt repayments, have constrained government funding. He said the government may review capitation rates if revenue performance improves, but admitted full funding has not been possible in recent years.

Education officials will deploy field officers to monitor compliance and support schools during the reopening period. The Ministry said the coordinated approach aims to ensure that learning resumes without disruptions, resources are effectively utilised, and learners are able to settle into the new term safely.

The announcement comes as schools nationwide prepare to welcome pupils and teachers back after the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Ministry’s proactive measures, including monitoring of placements, financial support, and compliance checks, are intended to address gaps from previous years and strengthen the management of public education resources.