Government Releases Capitation Funds as Schools Begin Third Term

Kenya, August 24, 2026 - The Government has released Sh18.5 billion as capitation for Term 3 as basic education institutions reopened across the country today.

In a press statement issued on Monday Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said Term 3 of 2026 has begun, with all pre-primary, primary, junior and senior schools opening.

Mr Ogamba said the State has disbursed Sh18,508,271,486.60* to facilitate seamless operations and learning activities in all public basic education institutions.

The funds have been apportioned as follows:

Of the total Sh18,508,271,486.60 released, Sh1,401,089,978.50 has been allocated to Free Primary Education, Sh6,143,719,839.60 to Free Day Junior School Education and Sh10,963,461,668.50 to Free Day Secondary Education.

"The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and educational institutions, in line with Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution that entitles every child to free and compulsory basic education," the CS said.

He directed all head teachers and principals to ensure prudent use of the funds for the benefit of learners.

The CS at the same time warned school heads against imposing unauthorised levies on parents, saying the Ministry will take firm action on any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and illegal charges.

"School heads and principals are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners, and to desist from imposing any unauthorised levies," he said.

Term 3 is the shortest and most critical term in the school calendar, with national examinations for primary and secondary schools set to be administered.