Salasya links growing school strikes to delayed capitation funds
By Mustafa Juma, June 8, 2026Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has attributed the ongoing wave of school strikes and operational disruptions in learning institutions to the delayed disbursement of government capitation funds.
Taking to his official X account on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Salasya warned that the situation is putting severe strain on schools across the country.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) lawmaker claimed that many schools are currently struggling to sustain learners and maintain basic operations due to irregular funding flows from the national government, which he said has worsened the financial burden on headteachers and school administrators.
“Truth be told, many schools are not receiving capitation funds on time and are struggling to sustain learners and run their operations effectively,” Salasya said.
Financial pressure on schools
He added that the delayed release of funds by the Kenya Kwanza government has created a crisis in schools, forcing some institutions into unrest as they attempt to manage unpaid bills, shortages of learning materials, and operational costs.
“The delay in disbursement of funds by the KK gvt has placed significant financial pressure on schools, leading to strikes,” he stated.
His remarks come amid rising tension in various learning institutions where students have staged protests and burnt dormitories.
Education stakeholders have in the past raised concerns over the consistency of capitation fund releases, noting that delays often disrupt budgeting cycles and force school administrators to rely on credit from suppliers to keep institutions running.
Ruto’s directive
President William Ruto directed the immediate release of Ksh23 billion in capitation funds to all public schools ahead of the second-term reopening, aiming to ensure uninterrupted learning as institutions resumed on April 27, 2026.
The directive was issued during the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, April 17, 2026.
President Ruto instructed the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, to oversee the timely disbursement of funds to schools across the country.
“As we did last year, we made sure that money meant for capitation arrives before the opening of the schools. The Minister for Education is here, and he is to ensure that the Ksh23 billion meant for capitation arrives on time before opening,” Ruto stated firmly.
The Head of State further emphasised the government’s plan to institutionalise advance funding for schools, noting that resources should be available before reopening to support learning activities and operational needs.
The second term is scheduled to run for 14 weeks, from April 27 to July 31, 2026, with a half-term break set between June 24 and June 28, 2026.
The third term will commence on August 24 and conclude on October 23, 2026.