NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Treasury has reassured educational institutions across the country that Sh48.8 billion will be disbursed next week to primary and secondary schools.
This announcement comes amid mounting anxiety from school administrators over delayed funds, which threatened to disrupt the academic year.
Schools reopened on January 6 for the first term of 2025 without the expected government funds, prompting fears of operational paralysis.
Some school heads even considered sending learners home due to the financial strain, despite assurances from the government that the money would soon be released.
Addressing these concerns, Treasury CS John Mbadi called for calm among school stakeholders, affirming the imminent release of the funds.
“Schools don’t panic, teachers don’t panic, school managers don’t panic. Next week, Treasury will release Sh48.8 billion, which is 50 per cent of this year’s budget to fund our education system,” Mbadi announced during the launch of a borehole project in Kokona Village, Garsen Constituency.
Mbadi underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the education sector, noting that the funds for Primary, Junior Secondary, and Secondary schools would be disbursed before any other allocations.
“We believe that the education system is critical and important as a social function,” he stated.
Following the release of the capitation funds, the government plans to allocate Sh31 billion to counties, ensuring their continued functionality.
The next focus will be on civil servants’ salaries, which require Sh75 billion.
Education CS Julius Ogamba had previously assured schools of the disbursement of Sh48.38 billion as the first tranche of the capitation funds, which includes Sh4.1 billion for public primary schools, Sh15.3 billion for Day Junior Secondary Schools, and Sh28.9 billion for Day Secondary Schools.