Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the disbursement during the Inaugural Education Conference 2026 held at Lake Naivasha Resort.
He stated that the government is set to release Ksh.21 billion by the end of next week, attributing the delay to stiff competition for limited state resources among government agencies.
“While the delay was unfortunate, we have been in constant consultation with the Treasury and are now committed to ensuring the funds are disbursed promptly,” Ogamba said. “This support is critical in sustaining operations in public schools.”
The announcement comes as school leaders and stakeholders express growing concern about the ongoing delay in capitation disbursements.
Many schools reopened for the second term earlier this week without receiving the funds, prompting warnings from the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) about possible disruptions to learning.
Ogamba also issued a stern warning to school administrators against imposing unauthorized levies on parents to help close funding gaps.
“We are aware of some principals collecting illegal levies from unsuspecting parents. This must stop. Any head teacher found culpable will face disciplinary action,” he said.
In addition to addressing funding concerns, the Cabinet Secretary spoke on the upcoming transition of students from Grade Nine to Grade Ten, noting that consultations with key stakeholders are already underway.
CS Ogamba also called for better oversight in the utilization of government funds and directed County Directors of Education to ensure accountability at the grassroots level. He further urged county education officials to proactively manage the increasing trend of student unrest, particularly during the second term.
“We have observed a consistent rise in student unrest during this period. School heads and education officers must act to curb this worrying trend,” he added.
Professor Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, echoed the CS’s sentiments, pointing out existing gaps in the capitation system.
He said the government would utilize the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to streamline disbursements and support ongoing education reforms.
By Ann Ngige Nyamu
