The government will release KSh23 billion in capitation funds to schools one week before the start of the second term, President William Ruto has announced, in a move aimed at ending long-standing delays in school funding.
Speaking at the State House, Nairobi, during the 64th Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival State Concert, Ruto said the Ministry of Education has already received the funds and will disburse them early to ensure smooth school operations once learning resumes.
He said the government is committed to ensuring predictability in school financing, noting that delayed capitation has for years disrupted learning in many institutions across the country.
“We want to ensure that delay of capitation funds becomes a thing of the past,” the President said, adding that funds had previously been released late, sometimes taking weeks or months to reach schools.
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The head of state pointed out that the early release of funds in previous terms had already begun improving efficiency in the education sector, and the latest disbursement was part of sustained reforms in education financing.
President Ruto made the remarks while hosting learners, teachers and officials participating in the national drama and film festival, an event he said reflects the growing importance of creativity in education and national development.
He praised the performances showcased at the festival, describing them as a strong reflection of the talent, imagination, and creativity among Kenyan learners. The President said the arts have evolved beyond entertainment into a powerful platform for expression, education, and economic opportunity.
The president noted that the global creative economy is currently valued at over $250 billion, with projections indicating it could rise beyond $500 billion by 2030, urging young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities in digital content creation.
According to him, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook have transformed into income-generating spaces for many young people, enabling them to build careers through content creation and storytelling.
“It is no longer just a space for artistic expression or entertainment; it has become a formidable source of income and economic opportunity,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of storytelling in shaping cultural identity, saying that from traditional oral narratives to modern digital productions, stories continue to define society and national values.
This year’s drama festival, he noted, explored critical social issues including cohesion, drug abuse and sexual violence against children, themes he said are essential in shaping responsible citizens.
Ruto further stated that advancements in digital technology, including artificial intelligence, have expanded opportunities for creativity, allowing anyone with a smartphone and internet access to reach a global audience.
He emphasized that the government is integrating arts and creative disciplines into education reforms under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system.
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He said CBET is designed to nurture diverse talents by allowing learners to pursue different pathways based on their strengths and interests.
Under the system, learners are expected to develop skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which the President said are essential in today’s job market.
On education investment, he cited the recruitment of 100,000 teachers, with an additional 20,000 expected to be hired before the end of the year.
He also noted expansion efforts in learning institutions to improve access to education and support the new curriculum framework.
By Mosoti Mogambi
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