Ruto Govt Releases Ksh44.2 Billion as Schools Prepare to Reopen for 2026 Academic Year

As Kenyan schools prepare to welcome pupils back after the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Ministry of Education has announced that all basic education institutions will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. 

The government has released Ksh44,245,066,500.85 in capitation for Term One to ensure smooth operations across public primary and secondary schools.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 2, 2026, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba outlined that Ksh3.7 billion of the allocation will support free primary education, Ksh14.4 billion will go to free day junior secondary schools, and Ksh26.1 billion will be used for free day secondary schools.

“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” said Ogamba. 

He emphasised that Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their senior schools starting January 12, 2026.

The Ministry has also updated stakeholders on the placement of learners into Senior School Grade 10. 

The first revision of placements was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions made available on the official placement portal from December 30. Parents and guardians who wish to seek further review can submit requests between January 6 and 9, 2026. 

Requests should be channelled through the learner’s junior school or the senior school of interest, and processed via the official portal.

CS Ogamba reminded school heads and principals that the capitation funds are public resources, which must be used prudently. 

He warned against the imposition of extra fees or levies, noting that the ministry will take strict action against any verified cases of misappropriation.

“Heads of institutions are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners,” he said.

Capitation for senior schools will remain at Ksh22,244 per learner per year, and fees payable by learners will not change.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to free and compulsory basic education, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution.

The announcement follows concerns raised by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who in November 2025 criticised a proposed reduction in capitation for day secondary schools. 

Nyoro argued that cutting funding from Ksh22,000 to Ksh12,000 per learner would force parents to pay additional fees and undermine the principle of free education.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged that increasing enrolment and competing fiscal demands, including debt repayments, had constrained government funding. 

He revealed that secondary schools have been receiving Ksh16,900 per learner instead of the required Ksh22,244, while junior schools received Ksh10,000 of the required Ksh15,042. 

Mbadi noted that capitation rates may be reviewed if government revenue performance improves.

Education officials will deploy field officers to monitor compliance and support schools during the reopening period. 

The Ministry said the coordinated approach aims to ensure learning resumes without disruption, resources are effectively utilised, and learners settle into the new term safely.

As schools nationwide prepare to reopen, the Ministry’s proactive measures, including placement monitoring, financial support, and compliance checks, are intended to address gaps from previous years and strengthen the management of public education resources.

With over 10 million learners expected to resume studies in 2026, the successful deployment of capitation funds and strict oversight of school operations will be crucial in ensuring Kenya’s public education system runs efficiently and equitably.