The government has released Sh44.25 billion as capitation for public basic education institutions to support the seamless reopening of the 2026 Academic Year, covering free primary, junior, and secondary education.
The funds, disbursed on January 2, 2026, are intended to facilitate school operations and ensure all learners access quality education without interruptions.
“All basic education schools are expected to re-open for the new term on Monday, 5th January, 2026,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.
Grade 10 learners are scheduled to report to their respective senior schools starting 12th January, 2026. The Ministry noted that its field officers, under the guidance of Regional Directors of Education and County Directors of Education, will monitor adherence to the academic calendar as schools reopen.
The government outlined a clear framework for Grade 10 placements, with the first revision of placements completed on 29th December, 2025. Joining instructions for learners already placed were made accessible on the placement portal (www.placement.education.go.ke) effective 30th December, 2025.
Parents, guardians, and learners seeking reconsideration of placements will have another opportunity to submit legitimate and verifiable grounds from 6th January to 9th January, 2026.
Requests for review can be initiated through the learner’s junior school or the senior school of interest and must be submitted through the placement portal in line with Ministry protocols.
The capitation funds, totaling sh44,245,066,500.85, have been apportioned as follows: sh3.7 billion for Free Primary Education, sh14.46 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, and sh26.08 billion for Free Day Secondary Education.
“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” the Ministry said.
Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education in line with Article 53 of the Constitution.
He also emphasized that fees payable by senior school learners remain unchanged, with the government providing capitation at the rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year.
The Ministry urged school heads and principals to ensure prudent use of public resources for the benefit of learners.
“School heads are directed to desist from imposing any extra levies or fees. As a Ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of extra levies or fees,” Ogamba said.
