Govt speaks on slashing capitation of senior schools from KSh 22,244 per student

Nairobi, Kenya — The Government has confirmed that the annual capitation payment under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme — previously set at KSh 22,244 per learner — has been significantly reduced in practice.
According to reports, many senior secondary schools received as little as KSh 8,818 per learner for the first term of 2025, despite the expected rate of KSh 22,244. The government acknowledges that the reduction stems from a static budget of about KSh 65 billion, while the number of students has continued to rise, creating a shortfall.
Officials say the capitation cut is not a policy reversal of free secondary education, but a temporary fiscal measure introduced as they review funding frameworks to better align resources with increased enrolment and rising costs. Media commentary, however, suggests the reduction is signalling an erosion of the free secondary education promise.
Parents and school administrators have raised concerns that the reduced capitation will force institutions to seek more fees or donations from learners, undermining access and equity. As one opinion piece put it:
We are told budgets are tight … but meanwhile we see money flowing into political rallies, early campaign mobilisations … Where is the political will to protect the future of the country rather than the next election?
The government has indicated that a detailed review of the secondary school funding formula is underway, and a new capitation policy may be announced later this year to ensure sustainability of funding and fairness among schools. In the interim, schools are being urged to budget carefully and avoid over‑burdening parents with unexpected extra charges.