The education sector is set to receive a record Sh770 billion allocation in the upcoming financial year, marking the highest budgetary allocation ever granted to the sector in Kenya's history.

Speaking on the government's commitment to strengthening education, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education, Julius Kibet Bitok, said the massive allocation demonstrates the government's determination to improve learning outcomes and enhance access to quality education across the country.

Prof. Bitok disclosed that a significant portion of the funds will be directed towards school capitation, infrastructure development, and the recruitment of teachers to address staffing gaps in learning institutions.

"The education sector will receive Sh770 billion in the coming financial year, the highest allocation ever. These resources will go a long way in supporting capitation, improving infrastructure, and employing more teachers to strengthen service delivery in our schools," he said.

The PS noted that adequate funding remains critical to the successful implementation of education programs and the smooth running of schools nationwide.

He further assured school administrators, parents, and learners that the government will continue disbursing capitation funds promptly to avoid disruptions in learning.

"We will maintain timely disbursement of capitation funds, just as we did before schools opened in the last two terms. Our goal is to ensure that schools have the resources they need when they need them," he said.

The assurance is expected to bring relief to school heads who have in the past raised concerns over delays in capitation disbursements, which often affect operations and learning activities.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the increased allocation, saying it will help address infrastructure challenges, improve access to learning materials, and support the implementation of education reforms.

The planned recruitment of additional teachers is also expected to reduce teacher shortages in public schools and improve the teacher-to-learner ratio, particularly in underserved areas.

The record funding comes at a time when the government is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector, enhancing competency-based learning, and expanding access to quality education for all learners.

With the increased budget and commitment to timely funding, education officials say schools will be better positioned to provide quality learning environments and improve academic performance across the country.