KISII — Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has dismissed claims that the government has slashed capitation funds for public secondary schools, insisting the official allocation per student remains intact. Speaking during a press briefing in Kisii County, CS Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free secondary education, stating that each student under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program is still entitled to KSh22,244 per year.
“The government has not altered the official capitation policy,” CS Ogamba said. “Free and compulsory basic education is a constitutional right under Article 53. There is no plan, and no authority, to reverse that.”. He acknowledged that the amount disbursed to schools for the 2025–2026 financial year currently stands at KSh16,900 per student. He attributed this shortfall to fiscal pressures linked to the 100% transition policy, which has significantly increased student enrollment across the country.
Education CS Ogamba proposed merging all education bursary programs under one centralized framework to better manage the growing demand. CS Ogamba clarified that despite the shortfall, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury are actively pushing for additional funds from the National Assembly. “We are lobbying for full support to meet the approved capitation rate and sustain other education programs,” CS Ogamba said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking the same day in Bungoma during a women’s empowerment event, echoed Ogamba’s sentiments assuring the public that free education program remains intact and ongoing. DP Kindiki assured citizens that the Kenya Kwanza administration would not abandon the free education initiatives introduced under former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and was empowered by former head of state Hon Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Ignore the propaganda. Free primary and secondary education is here to stay,” Kindiki said. He pointed to ongoing government projects in the region, saying they reflect the administration’s broader investment in public welfare, including education.
While the official stance remains that capitation has not been cut, school administrators and Members of Parliament have raised concerns over reduced disbursements and the impact on learning conditions.
With tensions rising between the government and opposition figures calling for demonstrations over delayed funding, the Education Ministry now faces pressure to address the gap between policy and practice and to ensure that the promise of free education is fully honored.
About the Author
