Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has said the government’s Ksh784.5 billion allocation to the education sector in the 2026/27 financial year will support ongoing reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, strengthening school leadership and addressing cases of unrest in schools.

Speaking during the closing of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) annual national conference in Mombasa on Friday, June 26, 2026, Ogamba said the funding would support implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, school infrastructure and teacher recruitment.

The conference brought together secondary school principals from across the country to discuss school leadership, the transition to CBE and measures to enhance safety and stability in learning institutions.

Among those present were Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, Teachers Service Commission Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi and Kibra MP Peter Orero.

Addressing school unrest

Ogamba announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder task force to investigate the causes of recurring school unrest and recommend long-term solutions.

“The recent wave of unrest reminds us that strong schools are built on the quality of relationships that exist within the school community,” he said.

He said investigations into previous incidents had pointed to factors including poor communication, perceived unfair disciplinary practices and inconsistent policies, while maintaining that no grievance should result in violence.

“If we do not find long-term solutions to these challenges, the massive investments that the government makes in the education sector will come to waste,” Ogamba warned.

He urged school principals to promote trust, inclusion, fairness and open communication in their institutions, saying effective leadership extends beyond enforcing school rules.

Education investments

The Cabinet Secretary said the government has employed more than 100,000 teachers since 2023 and constructed over 23,000 classrooms to support increased enrolment and implementation of CBE.

He added that funding has been provided for the construction of 1,600 science laboratories to strengthen the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway under the new curriculum.

Ogamba also noted that schools are now receiving capitation funds before the beginning of each term to improve planning and ensure smooth learning programmes.

Preparing learners

As the rollout of senior secondary education continues, Ogamba called for strengthened career guidance and counselling to help learners make informed pathway choices.

He identified mental health challenges, social media influence, substance abuse, peer pressure and family instability among issues affecting learners and requiring coordinated interventions.

His remarks came days after the Ministry of Education confirmed that the Term Two mid-term break would run from June 24 to June 28, 2026, and directed schools to convene Parents Association meetings, strengthen safety measures, improve grievance-handling mechanisms and enhance guidance and counselling services.

Ogamba urged principals to continue working closely with parents, teachers and communities to support implementation of education reforms and improve learning environments across the country.