Delayed Capitation Funds Spark Concern in Kenya’s Education Sector
The delayed release of capitation funds has raised alarm among education stakeholders across Kenya. So far, the government has disbursed only Ksh.19 billion—far below the amount required—leaving many secondary schools severely underfunded. Consequently, education officials and union leaders are now urging the government to act swiftly and bridge this widening financial gap before it disrupts learning continuity and compromises the delivery of quality education.
Government Explains Delay: Financial Crisis to Blame
The Ministry of Education has attributed the delay in releasing capitation funds to the ongoing national financial crisis, which has affected several sectors across the country. Despite these fiscal challenges, ministry officials have reassured stakeholders that they are prioritizing education and have committed to releasing additional funds by the end of the week. This move is expected to ease the financial pressure on secondary schools and help restore normal operations, especially as schools struggle to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) under constrained budgets.
Capitation Disbursements and Funding Gaps
Although the National Treasury has already allocated Ksh.19 billion to basic education, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) argues that this amount is insufficient. According to KNUT, schools still struggle to meet infrastructure and curriculum demands under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Junior Secondary Schools Hit Hard by Delays
In particular, junior secondary schools are experiencing setbacks due to the lack of infrastructure funding. KNUT Kisumu Executive Secretary David Obuon stressed that the government must plan adequately to prevent future confusion in CBC implementation.
Secondary Schools Facing Operational Challenges
Many secondary school principals have voiced their growing concern over the severe financial shortages, which are increasingly making it difficult to sustain daily school operations. In the absence of timely capitation funds, headteachers are struggling to pay support staff, purchase basic learning materials, and cover utility bills. Some principals have even warned that if the government does not intervene quickly, they may have no choice but to suspend essential services such as feeding programs, transport, and even classroom instruction. This looming disruption poses a serious threat to the quality and continuity of education in affected schools.
Government Responds with Additional Funding Plan
Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos announced plans to release an additional Ksh.14 billion in phases. Although he acknowledged the country’s fiscal challenges, he appealed to school administrators for patience.
Educators Share Their Struggles
Zablon Awange, KUPPET Executive Secretary, raised concern about the pressure on school heads. In the absence of government funds, many headteachers are digging into their own pockets to keep schools running.
Schools Drowning in Debt
KESSHA Chair Willie Kuria emphasized that prolonged delays in capitation reimbursements have forced many schools to operate under mounting financial pressure. As a result, school heads are struggling to settle debts with suppliers, pay non-teaching staff, and cover essential operational costs such as electricity, water, and school feeding programs.
He warned that if the government does not intervene promptly, the situation could worsen significantly. In fact, many institutions may soon be unable to provide a stable learning environment. This, he noted, would not only affect academic performance but could also lead to the temporary closure of some schools—especially those in rural and underserved areas.
Kuria urged the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury to prioritize the timely release of funds to prevent further disruption in the academic calendar. According to him, consistent and predictable financing is critical to the effective management of schools, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which requires new investments in infrastructure, teaching materials, and staff training.
Breakdown of Promised Capitation Funds
The government had committed Ksh.48 billion for the current academic term. This included:
- Ksh.28.9 billion for secondary schools
- Ksh.4.1 billion for support services and administration
So far, only Ksh.19 billion has reached schools, leaving administrators uncertain about when the remaining funds will be released.
CBC Rollout at Risk
The delay in funding is jeopardizing the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum. Without timely capitation, schools cannot recruit necessary staff, construct CBC-compliant classrooms, or purchase key learning materials. Consequently, the effectiveness of the new education system remains at risk.
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Delayed capitation funds Impact on Competency-Based Curriculum Rollout
The delayed capitation funds are threatening the effective rollout of the CBC in Kenya. Without timely disbursements, schools cannot hire necessary staff, build CBC-aligned classrooms, or acquire essential learning materials. Click The Impact of Technology on Education in Kenya
📌 Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available reports and statements from education stakeholders and government officials in Kenya. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to consult official government sources and Ministry of Education announcements for the latest updates on capitation disbursements and education policies. We are not affiliated with any government body or education institution.
