NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has said the government has disbursed Sh44 billion in school capitation ahead of the reopening of learning institutions, marking what he described as a major shift in the financing and delivery of education in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday after receiving a briefing from Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba at State House, Nairobi, the President said the amount represents 50pc of the total capitation allocation for the year and was paid to primary, junior, and senior secondary schools before learners returned to class.
“For the first time ever, we have paid Sh44 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and senior schools before institutions re-opened,” President Ruto said, adding that the remaining 30pc and 20pc will be released in the second and third terms, respectively.
The early disbursement is expected to ease pressure on school administrators, many of whom have previously complained about delayed capitation that disrupts learning, procurement of supplies, and payment of non-teaching staff.
Education stakeholders have long argued that the late release of funds undermines the planning and implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The President also announced that the government has paid Sh5.6 billion to publishers to ensure the timely supply of textbooks to schools across the country.
The move is aimed at addressing perennial shortages of learning materials, particularly in public schools.
On teacher management, President Ruto said the government has promoted 25,000 teachers, fulfilling a pledge made to educators and their unions.
In addition, he confirmed that 24,000 new teachers are being recruited and will report to classrooms later this month.
“This brings the total number of teachers hired since 2023 to 100,000, strengthening teaching and learning in our schools and, consequently, improving educational outcomes,” he said.
The briefing at State House was attended by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Esther Muoria.
The discussions focused on the implementation of ongoing reforms in basic and tertiary education, teacher deployment, and resourcing of schools.
Teacher unions have previously welcomed increased recruitment but continue to push for faster confirmation of interns, better remuneration, and improved working conditions.
Education analysts say sustained funding, adequate staffing, and timely provision of learning materials will be critical as Kenya transitions fully to the CBC system.
The government has positioned education as a cornerstone of its broader social and economic agenda, linking improved learning outcomes to skills development, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
