Government Releases Sh23.4 Billion Capitation to Schools, Warns Against Illegal Levies

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector, announcing a series of reforms aimed at improving access, quality, equity, and affordability across all levels of learning.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the administration had already disbursed Sh23.4 billion in capitation funds to public schools ahead of the reopening of the current school term, in a move aimed at ensuring smooth operations and easing financial pressure on parents.

Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House Annex in Nairobi on Monday, Mwaura said the funds were released in advance to guarantee uninterrupted learning activities.

“The funds were released in advance to ensure smooth operations in schools and to ease the financial burden on parents,” he said.

He explained that primary school learners receive Sh1,400 per annum, with the allocation distributed across the three school terms in a 50:30:20 ratio through the National Treasury and the Ministry of Education.

According to Mwaura, the capitation funds are divided into two main accounts. Account One is used for learning materials such as textbooks, exercise books, and teaching guides, while Account Two covers operational expenses including salaries for non-teaching staff, maintenance, utilities, examinations, and co-curricular activities.

The government spokesperson dismissed claims that delays in capitation disbursement have forced schools to introduce extra levies on parents, terming such allegations misleading and politically motivated.

“Disbursement is done before learners report to school. Any claims that schools cannot operate without charging extra fees are not valid,” he said.

Mwaura further warned school administrators against imposing unauthorized charges, stating that principals, who serve as accounting officers, will be held personally responsible for any violations.

“We have seen attempts to introduce hidden costs. This is unacceptable, and action will be taken against those who exploit parents,” he cautioned.

He also highlighted the role of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) in enhancing transparency and accountability in the education sector. The system, he said, helps verify student enrolment and prevents misuse or inflation of learner numbers for financial gain.

The government maintains that the ongoing reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen efficiency in public education financing while safeguarding parents from undue financial pressure.