Nairobi, Kenya – The Ministry of Education has delayed the release of school capitation funds as it undertakes a comprehensive verification exercise to identify irregularities in the system. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told the National Assembly that the audit, conducted following reports from the Auditor-General, revealed that several schools receiving government funds did not exist. The verification process, now in its final stages, aims to ensure that only legitimate institutions benefit from public resources.
The exercise has already seen capitation funds released to 752 verified schools, serving more than 9.4 million learners across primary, junior, senior, and special needs education. According to CS Ogamba, KSh10 billion of the KSh10.3 billion allocated for secondary schools has been disbursed, while junior and primary schools have received 73 percent and 48 percent of their funds, respectively. The move follows the discovery of ghost schools and misallocation of resources, prompting the Ministry to prioritize transparency and accountability. MPs have raised concerns over disruptions to exam preparations, with some Form Four students temporarily sent home due to the verification process.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from educators and lawmakers. While some applaud the government’s efforts to safeguard public funds, others, including Nyeri County MP Rahab Mukami, argue that the timing undermines students’ readiness for national exams. CS Ogamba has assured that the verification will conclude imminently and that investigative agencies will take retrospective action against institutions found to be illegitimate. The Ministry also plans to ensure that exam candidates return to classrooms promptly to avoid further disruption.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education expects the verification exercise to strengthen governance in the sector and prevent future misallocation of funds. By confirming the legitimacy of schools and learners, officials aim to foster a more accountable education system while maintaining smooth operations during critical academic periods. This initiative is expected to restore confidence among stakeholders and improve the efficiency of capitation fund distribution across Kenya.