Primary schools are set to receive their first capitation increase in more than two decades after the government announced plans to raise Free Primary Education (FPE) funding from Ksh1,420 to Ksh2,300 per learner beginning the 2026/2027 Financial Year (FY).
The adjustment marks the first review of the FPE allocation since the programme was introduced in 2003, despite years of inflation, rising enrolment, and increasing costs of instructional materials and utilities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the increase will cushion schools against rising operational costs while maintaining the quality of learning under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
While the primary school capitation is being increased, the CS reassured Kenyans that secondary school funding remains a priority. Senior secondary schools are set to continue receiving Ksh22,244 per learner annually, while junior secondary learners get Ksh15,042.
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The Ministry of Education has faced criticism over delayed and insufficient disbursement of FPE funds, with school heads often forced to operate on credit to cover utilities and learning materials. CS Ogamba said the government is working to ensure timely transfer of funds to all schools.
Parents, teachers, and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) have welcomed the increment. National Parents Association chairperson Silas Obuhatsa described it as timely, given the growing number of learners in public primary schools.
“This increase comes at a critical time for our schools. We hope the government will continue to raise the capitation in the coming years,” Obuhatsa said.
By Mercy Kokwon
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