Ministry Confirms Release of Ksh18.5 Billion to Schools as Third Term Kicks Off

Ministry Confirms Release of Ksh18.5 Billion to Schools as Third Term Kicks Off

The Ministry of Education has confirmed the release of Ksh18.5 billion in school capitation as learners across Kenya begin the third term of the 2026 academic year.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the funds had already been released to support operations in public basic education institutions, including pre-primary, primary, junior secondary and senior schools.

The announcement comes as schools reopen, with institutions expected to use the funds to support learning activities and meet essential operational needs during the new term.

Ogamba made the announcement on Monday, August 24, as he confirmed the start of the third term across the country.

“Term 3 of 2026 has begun today, with basic education institutions (pre-primary, primary, junior and senior schools) opening across the country.”

The Cabinet Secretary said the government had released Ksh18,508,271,486.60 in capitation to ensure schools can continue operating without major disruptions.

“To facilitate seamless operations and the conduct of school activities in the new term, the Government has already released Ksh18,508,271,486.60 as capitation for Term 3 for learners in all public basic education institutions.”

The allocation covers several government education programmes, with Free Primary Education among the beneficiaries.

According to the ministry, Ksh1,401,089,978.50 has been allocated to Free Primary Education. The funding is expected to support public primary schools as learners return for the final term of the academic year.

The largest allocation among the programmes listed goes to Free Day Junior School Education, which has received Ksh6,143,719,839.60.

The funds will support learners in Grades 7 to 9 as Junior Secondary School education continues under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

The release of the capitation comes at a critical point in the school calendar, with institutions expected to complete the academic year while preparing learners for assessments and examinations.

Schools have previously raised concerns over delays in receiving government capitation, with heads of institutions warning that late disbursements can affect the purchase of learning materials, payment of essential services and general school operations.

The latest release is therefore expected to provide some financial relief to school administrators as they begin the final stretch of the 2026 academic year.

The government has continued to channel funds to public schools through different education programmes as part of its commitment to supporting access to basic education.

The funding also comes as the Ministry of Education continues to oversee the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, including the transition of learners through junior and senior school.

Junior Secondary School learners in Grades 7, 8 and 9 remain an important focus of the education system as the government works to improve infrastructure, learning resources and staffing.

Ogamba also urged schools to ensure that learning resumes smoothly and that the allocated funds are used for their intended purposes.

With millions of learners now back in classrooms, school administrators are expected to prioritise teaching and learning activities during the term.

The third term is particularly important because it marks the final phase of the academic year and includes preparations for national assessments and examinations at various levels.

The Ksh18.5 billion capitation release is therefore expected to help public schools meet their financial obligations while keeping learning activities on course.

The ministry’s announcement offers reassurance to schools that had been awaiting government funding, as institutions settle into the final term of the 2026 academic calendar

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Ministry Confirms Release of Ksh18.5 Billion to Schools as Third Term Kicks Off