School heads warn of early closures and exam crisis over delayed Ksh18 billion capitation funds

Secondary school heads have sounded the alarm over delayed government capitation, warning that third-term learning and national examinations could be disrupted if billions owed are not released urgently.

The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) says the State is yet to disburse Sh18 billion in arrears for the first and second terms. This translates to Sh5,506 per learner.

According to Kessha chairperson Willy Kuria, schools received only partial allocations in the first two terms, forcing some to shut down early due to lack of funds.

“Many schools could not sustain operations without the funds. We had to send learners home weeks before schedule because we could not feed them or pay suppliers. Day schools are the hardest hit since they rely entirely on capitation,” said Kuria, who is also the Chief Principal of Murang’a High School.

Exams at Risk

The third term is the shortest in the school calendar but the most critical, with national examinations scheduled. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) is set for October 24–29, while the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will run from November 3 to 21.

Kuria cautioned that unless funds are disbursed on reopening, schools will struggle to manage exam preparation logistics.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba admitted the delay but assured that the ministry was fast-tracking the release.

“Capitation funds for term three have not yet been released. We are working on it,” Ogamba said.

However, in June, the CS told Parliament that public schools were already choking in debt, with arrears standing at Sh64 billion.

Union Raises Alarm

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima said the situation could worsen in the coming weeks.

“This is going to be terrible for schools, especially considering this is the shortest term. With exams coming up, a lot of logistics will be required. Schools will end up suffering,” he said.

Nthurima further warned that early closures could be disguised as measures to “protect candidates,” while in reality, they would undermine curriculum coverage and preparation.