Schools across Kenya reopen today, Monday, August 24, 2026, for the third and final term of the school calendar, but concerns over inadequate and delayed government capitation funding continue to cast uncertainty over the new term.
As thousands of learners report back to school, education stakeholders have raised concerns over the financial challenges facing schools, with headteachers and principals reportedly struggling to settle outstanding bills arising from delays and inconsistencies in the disbursement of government funds.
President William Ruto has maintained that the government has already released Sh18 billion in capitation funds for the third term, insisting that the money is available to support schools as learners return.
The President has also dismissed claims that schools are still experiencing funding shortages, arguing that those making such allegations are acting in bad faith and pursuing political agendas.
“Children are going back to school. Previously, the money was delayed. We sent Sh18 billion to schools for the third term. Those claiming that schools have debts are outdated. The money is in schools,” President Ruto said.
However, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and a section of school administrators have disputed the government’s position, saying many institutions continue to face serious financial constraints.
KUPPET Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima said schools had not been adequately prepared for the reopening because of accumulated debts linked to delays in the release of capitation funds.
He said the government was expected to provide Sh22,244 per learner in annual capitation, but schools were currently operating below that level, leaving them unable to meet their financial obligations.
Nthurima further urged parents to prepare to meet additional costs, arguing that schools had been left with little choice because of the funding shortfall.
“We take that as a rumour from the Ministry of Education. Our position is to ask parents to prepare to pay for their children’s education because the government has no intention of fully funding education,” Nthurima said.
The disagreement comes amid growing concerns over the actual amount of capitation received by schools. The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) says schools have received approximately Sh16,456.60 per learner this year, against the expected Sh22,244.
This represents a shortfall of about Sh5,787.40 per learner, equivalent to roughly 26 per cent of the expected annual allocation.
School administrators warn that the funding gap could further strain institutions already grappling with unpaid bills, including expenses for learning materials, food, utilities and other essential services.
The dispute over capitation therefore comes as schools begin the third term, which is also the shortest and final term of the 2026 academic year. Education stakeholders are now calling for timely and predictable disbursement of government funding to enable schools to operate effectively and ensure learners complete the academic year without disruptions.
With learners returning to classrooms across the country today, attention will remain focused on whether the government’s latest capitation disbursement will reach schools as promised and whether it will be sufficient to ease the financial pressures facing school administrators.
