Nairobi, Kenya – Schools have received KSh 31.34 billion in capitation from the government, ahead of term one reopening for the 2024 school calendar.
The National Treasury released the funds in different categories to schools ahead of the Monday, January 8. reopening.
Ruto’s plans to ensure quality and affordable education
Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Muhamed shared the breakdown of the allocation on the X platform, showing that Free Primary Education received a capitation of KSh 4.74 billion from the budget.
Junior Secondary School received an allocation of KSh 7.6 billion, while school examinations and invigilation received KSh 2.8 billion.
In preparation for school opening next week, the National Treasury today released Kshs 31.34 billion as follows:
1. State Department for Basic Education Kshs 4.74 billion – *Free Primary Education Term 1*
2. State Department for Basic Education kshs 7.60 billion – *Capitation…
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) January 3, 2024
President Wiliam Ruto’s administration allocated KSh 16.2 billion to Free Day Secondary Education in the first term of the new school calendar.
President Ruto maintained his support for education, saying his administration will ensure every child has access to affordable and quality education.
Did Ruto fund education in 2023?
Speaking during the New Year address on Sunday, December 31, 2023, the head of state noted that in the past year, the government increased allocation to the education sector by KSh 127 billion.
He also revealed that his administration has employed 56,000 teachers to ensure quality education across the country,
“Recognizing the pivotal role of education, we increased allocations to the education sector by KShs 127 billion, which enabled us to enhance capitation for all learners, bringing us close to the dream of universal education from ECDE to the tertiary level. We also employed 56,000 teachers to improve access to quality education throughout the country,” said Ruto.
Did schools receive capitation in 2023?
However, there have been growing concerns from schools across the country over failure by the government to release capitation.
In December 2023, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu said the government upholds its commitment to providing Free Day Secondary Education grants per learner.
Machogu noted that this includes allocations for tuition and operational expenses.
“I wish to state that the boarding fees charged in public secondary schools will remain unchanged in 2024. Schools will continue to receive funds based on accurate enrolment data submitted by principals through NEMIS,” said Machogu.
The CS added that 14,426 Elimu scholarships will be awarded this year to needy KCPE candidates, with 37,574 scholarships having so far been awarded.
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