• The funds have been apportioned across the three levels of basic education: Free Primary Education received Ksh. 3.7 billion, Free Day Junior School Education Ksh. 14.4 billion, and Free Day Secondary Education Ksh. 26 billion.

On January 2, 2025, the Government of Kenya announced that it had released Ksh. 44,245,066,500.85 as capitation for Term One to support learners in all public basic education institutions.

The funds have been apportioned across the three levels of basic education: Free Primary Education received Ksh. 3.7 billion, Free Day Junior School Education Ksh. 14.4 billion, and Free Day Secondary Education Ksh. 26 billion.

According to the Ministry of Education, the release of funds is meant to ensure seamless school operations as the new term begins on January 5, 2026. Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective senior schools starting January 12, 2026.

“The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and educational institutions in line with Article 53 of the Constitution that entitles every child to free and compulsory basic education,” the Ministry said in a statement.

To clarify the financing framework for senior schools, the Ministry issued a circular dated January 2, 2026, confirming that fees payable by learners remain unchanged. The government will continue to provide capitation at the rate of Ksh. 22,244 per learner annually. School heads and principals have been directed to use these resources prudently and warned against imposing extra levies.

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“As a Ministry we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of extra fees or levies,” the statement added.

On junior school placement, the Ministry has emphasized that requests for review will be processed through the placement portal, with submissions made by heads of institutions.

Parents will have an opportunity to apply for review between January 6 and January 9, 2026, providing legitimate grounds for reconsideration. The first revision of Grade 10 placements was completed on December 29, 2025, and joining instructions have been available on the placement portal since December 30.

All basic education schools are expected to reopen on January 5, 2026, with Ministry field officers deployed to monitor adherence to the academic calendar. For learners and parents, the release of funds and clear placement guidelines mark the beginning of a new school year anchored on access, accountability, and readiness.

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