NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has released Sh44.2 billion in capitation funds to support public basic education institutions as schools reopen for the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Education has announced.
In a press statement dated January 2, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said all public basic education schools will reopen for Term One on Monday, January 5, 2026, marking the official start of the new academic calendar.
According to the Ministry, a total of Sh44,245,066,500.85 has been disbursed to facilitate smooth school operations across primary, junior and secondary education levels.
Under the breakdown, Free Primary Education received Sh3.7 billion, Free Day Junior School Education was allocated Sh14.46 billion, while Free Day Secondary Education received the largest share at Sh26.08 billion.
“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry further confirmed that Grade 10 learners transitioning to senior school are expected to report to their respective institutions from January 12, 2026.
On placement, the first revision for Grade 10 senior school admissions was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions made available on the official placement portal from December 30.
Learners seeking a review of their placement will have an opportunity to apply between January 6 and January 9, 2026, provided they submit legitimate and verifiable reasons for reconsideration.
Requests for further review can also be initiated through junior schools or the senior schools of interest, with applications submitted by heads of institutions via the placement system.
The Ministry reiterated that fees payable by learners in senior schools remain unchanged, assuring parents and guardians that government capitation will continue at Sh22,244 per learner per year.
Cabinet Secretary Ogamba directed school heads to ensure prudent use of public funds and warned against imposing unauthorized levies or fees on parents.
“We will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources or the imposition of extra levies or fees,” he said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education in line with Article 53 of the Constitution, stating that the timely release of capitation is critical to sustaining access, equity and quality in education.
