Govt steps up oversight as schools navigate CBE transition in 2026

Public schools across Kenya are now fully into the 2026 academic year, with learning ongoing amid heightened government oversight, the rollout of Ksh 44.24 billion in capitation funding, and the continued transition to Senior School under the Competency-Based Education(CBE).

It is reported that since the schools reopened for term one on January 5, 2026; education officials have been monitoring operations across the country to ensure strict adherence to the approved academic calendar.

The regional and county directors of Education are on the ground supervising compliance, a move the Ministry says is aimed at maintaining order and accountability as the term progresses.

To support school activities, the government released Ksh44.2 Billion in capitation funds for term one. The allocation covers all levels of basic education, with Ksh3.7 billion directed to Free Primary Education, Ksh14.45 billion to Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh26.08 billion to Free Day Secondary Education.

The Ministry says the funds are meant to guarantee uninterrupted learning while easing pressure on parents at the start of the year.

As classrooms settle, attention has turned to the transition of Grade 10 learners into Senior School, a critical phase in the CBE rollout.

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The first phase of placements was completed at the end of December, and learners who wished to seek a review of their assigned schools were given until January 9, 2026 to do so.

The Ministry insists that only legitimate and verifiable cases will be considered, with all applications processed through school heads using the official placement system.

Grade 10 learners reported to their respective senior schools on January 12, a move that education stakeholders say it tested the school readiness in terms of infrastructure, staffing, and learning resources under the new curriculum framework.

The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to free and compulsory basic education, noting that Senior School fees remain unchanged and that government capitation will continue at Ksh 22,244 per learner per year.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has warned school administrators against imposing unauthorized levies, emphasizing the public funds must be used strictly for the benefit of learners.

The 2026 academic calendar, already in effect, provides structure to the school year, with term one running until April 2, followed by term two from April 27 to July 31st and term three from 24th August 24 to October 23rd.

Education observers say the convergence of funding, curriculum transition, and stricter oversight underscores the Government’s intent to tighten accountability as schools adjust to sweeping reforms.

With learning ongoing nationwide, the effectiveness of these measures will become clearer as the term unfolds.

By Kithinji Njeru