Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has assured schools that capitation funds will be disbursed before the next academic term begins, as the government moves to end persistent delays in education financing.
Speaking during the 2026 National School Sports Championships at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu County, Bitok said the Ministry is working closely with the National Treasury to ensure funds are in schools by the time learners resume on April 27.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms in financial systems will eliminate past inefficiencies that have disrupted timely disbursement.
“The government is streamlining processes to ensure consistent and timely release of capitation funds. We are confident that when schools open, the money will be in place,” he said.
At the same time, the PS raised concern over age cheating in school sports, warning that the vice undermines fairness and integrity in competitions.
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“We are not going to entertain any teacher or stakeholder who encourages learners to lie about their age. Disciplinary action will be taken against those found culpable,” he warned, adding that teachers must ensure accuracy in learner records.
Bitok emphasized that national school games remain a key pillar in nurturing talent under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, where sports is recognised as a critical pathway for learner development.
“This is a very important event in our education calendar and aligns with the competency-based framework, where sports is a key pathway,” he said.
He noted that learners are increasingly benefiting from structured co-curricular programmes that equip them with skills that can translate into future careers.
On learning resources, Bitok revealed that 99 per cent of Grade 10 textbooks have already been distributed nationwide, in line with the government’s policy of one textbook per learner per subject.
“Our policy is one textbook per learner per subject, and we are almost there despite challenges in enrolment variations,” he said, attributing the remaining gaps to discrepancies between reported and actual student numbers in some schools.
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The PS also highlighted progress in education infrastructure, noting that more than 23,000 classrooms have been constructed over the past three years, creating over one million additional learner spaces.
“These investments are being made through partnerships with county governments, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, and parents,” he added.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening co-curricular activities, backed by improved infrastructure and timely capitation funding.
The championships have brought together about 6,000 learners from across the country.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili welcomed the event, saying the county is positioning sports as a viable career pathway for young people.
He also lauded ongoing efforts to upgrade sporting facilities, including the modernisation of Moi Stadium, expressing optimism that the championships will help identify and nurture future talent.
By Fredrick Odiero
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