Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government has committed Sh44 billion in education capitation funds, and that the money will reach schools before learners return for the new term.
“I have made a commitment that education is not a privilege for those who can afford it but a right for every child in Kenya. That is why we have increased the education budget from Sh500 billion to Sh702 billion this year,” Ruto said in a video seen by the Star.
He announced that the government had already allocated the Sh44 billion, emphasising that the funds would be disbursed well before the school year starts in January.
“We have ensured that Sh22,000 for every student has already been released. We have disbursed Sh44 billion, and the money will reach schools before they report,” he said, noting that the move is intended to support a smooth transition.
The President added t
hat an additional 23,000 classrooms have been built, more than 100,000 teachers employed, and another 1,600 laboratories are expected to be completed by June.
“All this is because education is important. Capitation has been Sh17,000 on average per child over the last five years, but from this year we are increasing it to Sh22,000 per child. Already, Sh11,000—half of that amount—will be in schools before next week,” he said.
Ruto’s remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to ensure a smooth progression for learners advancing to the next level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The capitation funds, paid per student, help schools cover basic operational costs and are intended to prevent delays or disruptions as more than one million students prepare to enter senior school.
By releasing the funds ahead of time, the government signals strengthened financial support for schools and reassures parents that learners will report on schedule.
