The government, through Education CS, has announced that it will release Public school capitation funds amounting to Sh14 billion in the coming week.
The government had committed Sh28 billion for the first term but only released half. The CS requested schools to refrain from sending students home over unpaid fees, assuring that money would be in the school accounts next week.
Speaking at a quarterly meeting with TVET principals at Eldoret National Polytechnic on Thursday, he noted the Education Ministry was collaborating with the Treasury to ensure the funds reach schools before the end of the week.
The government supports education by allocating Sh1,420 per pupil for those in the Free Primary Education Program, while those in junior secondary receive Sh22,244 through a similar initiative.
However, frequent delays in disbursing these funds have left schools struggling financially. Schools have had to make tough budget cuts or send learners home just to keep running.
“It is not the parents who pay school fees. The school fees are paid through capitation from the government, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the balance of Sh14 billion is cleared,” Ogamba clarified.
He noted the ministry is committed to ensuring funds are released on time so that public schools can operate without interruptions.
“We are liaising with the National Treasury to ensure that the funds are released on time, and school management should not be sending learners home for non-payment of fees,” he said.
The government releases capitation funds in three instalments: 50 per cent at the start of the year, 30 per cent in the second term and the remaining 20 per cent in the final term.
The Education CS further warned against turning schools into arenas for political contests and urged school boards to refrain from interfering in school management.
“Public institutions will fall if there is no professionalism and integrity in administrative and financial management. School boards should adhere to their mandate, and heads of schools should exercise competency in their work,” the CS stated.
Furthermore, he shared plans for education reforms, especially in TVET institutions. CS Ogamba aims to restructure courses to better align with industry demands.
“The TVET reform agenda remains at the centre of our national skills plan. We continue to make strides in the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), which is essential in ensuring that our graduates meet industry expectations,” he stated.
He challenged young people who are either unemployed or not enrolled in training programs to take advantage of skill-based courses that provide hands-on expertise, improving their chances of securing meaningful employment.
