School heads trapped as Sh18.5bn capitation falls short
Public secondary school heads in Kenya are facing a significant funding shortfall despite the government disbursing Sh18.5 billion in capitation for the third term. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) states that the actual funds reaching schools are considerably less than the allocated amount per learner, as the Ministry of Education retains portions for other expenses. This leaves institutions struggling to cover operational costs, particularly as national assessments near.
Why it matters
This funding gap directly impacts the quality of education and operational stability of public secondary schools in Kenya, potentially affecting student performance and the overall education system. It highlights issues of transparency and resource allocation within the Ministry of Education.
KESSHA chairperson and Murang'a high school principal Willie Kuria in his office in Murang'a on August 31, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Public secondary school heads are facing a funding shortfall of about Sh8,000 per learner despite the government disbursing Sh18.5 billion in capitation for the third term.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) says the amount reaching schools remains below the Sh22,244 annual allocation per learner, leaving institutions struggling to meet operational costs at a time when they are preparing learners for national assessments and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The government disbursed Sh10.96 billion to senior secondary schools for learners in Grades 10 to 12, Sh6.14 billion to junior secondary schools for Grades 7 to 9 and Sh1.40 billion for primary school learners.
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