President William Ruto has moved to address delays in school funding. He has directed Treasury CS John Mbadi and Education CS Belio Ogamba to streamline the release of capitation funds.
The directive came during the Walimu Na Rais Forum at State House in Nairobi. Teachers had raised concerns that delays in releasing funds were disrupting learning in schools.
The Problem with Capitation Release
Currently, the government disburses capitation in three phases following the academic year, which runs from January to December. However, the national budget cycle runs from July to June.
According to Ruto, this mismatch has created challenges in cash flow to schools. He admitted that the delay in releasing money often leaves schools struggling to run smoothly.
“There is a problem in the capitation release. Most of the time, there is a delay. I am instructing the Minister of Education to sit down with the Minister of Finance to align this,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s Directive
The President has given the two CSs three months to work on a solution. They are expected to present a comprehensive report by December 2025. He also promised that the new formula would be ready by January 2026, when the new academic year begins.
Teachers’ Concerns
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has been vocal on the matter. Chairperson Omboko Milemba warned that inadequate funding has already forced some schools to close early.
“Schools closed early last term because we did not have capitation. Now we are one week to the opening of the third term, and we still don’t have the funds,” Milemba said in Eldoret on August 30.
What It Means for Schools
Teachers welcomed the President’s order, saying timely funds will help schools run without disruption. If the alignment succeeds, schools will enjoy more financial stability and better preparation for national examinations.
