President William Ruto has moved to reassure parents, teachers, and school administrators that the upcoming academic term will begin without disruption, following the release of Sh44 billion in capitation funds to schools across the country. The funds, according to the President, will be fully received by learning institutions before students report back.
Speaking during a public address, President Ruto emphasized that access to education remains a central priority of his government. He reiterated that education should not depend on a family’s financial ability, but should remain a guaranteed right for every Kenyan child. This commitment, he explained, is reflected in the significant increase in the national education budget, which has risen from Sh500 billion to Sh702 billion in the current financial year.
The President confirmed that each learner is now allocated Sh22,000 annually in capitation, an increase from the previous average of Sh17,000. He noted that Sh44 billion has already been disbursed, with at least Sh11,000 per student expected to be in school accounts before the start of the term. This early release is intended to help schools plan effectively and meet essential operational costs without delay.
President Ruto also pointed out that the funds will support the smooth implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, particularly as more than one million learners transition to new levels of study. He acknowledged that the CBC has increased pressure on existing facilities, prompting the government to invest heavily in infrastructure and staffing.
Among the key achievements highlighted were the construction of 23,000 additional classrooms, the recruitment of over 100,000 teachers, and the ongoing completion of 1,600 laboratories expected by June. These developments aim to improve learning conditions and accommodate growing student numbers.
The timely release of capitation funds is expected to ease financial strain on schools and restore confidence among parents nationwide. With these measures in place, the government is signaling its intention to ensure a stable and uninterrupted academic calendar for learners across Kenya.
