The delay in disbursing government capitation funds has put immense pressure on Kenya’s education sector, raising concerns among lawmakers and education stakeholders.
The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka, is set to summon Cabinet Secretaries from the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury to address the ongoing crisis. The committee seeks clarity on the delayed release of capitation funds, which has left public universities and technical institutions struggling to operate.
During a meeting at the National Assembly’s Bunge Towers, lawmakers expressed concern over the financial shortfall affecting institutions of higher learning.
Public universities and TVET institutions face a funding gap of Sh58.8 billion for the financial year ending June 2025, impacting scholarships, loans, and direct capitation support for students.
University Vice-Chancellors and Principals appearing before the committee revealed that the delay in funding has affected the procurement of learning materials, payment of non-teaching staff, provision of meals, and co-curricular activities. Additionally, institutions have been forced to accumulate debts, with critical infrastructure projects coming to a halt.
“Debts keep accumulating year after year because we are not getting timely and sufficient resources,” said Loice Kutoh, a representative from the education sector.
Catherine Kelonye noted that the government is supposed to cater for 80% of university students’ education costs and allocate Sh30,000 per student per year for TVET learners, but these funds have not been forthcoming.
Maseno University Vice Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyakundi highlighted the severity of the situation, stating:
“The government owes schools millions, if not billions. This underfunding and financial instability have disrupted planned activities and negatively impacted service delivery.”
Lawmakers also weighed in on the crisis, urging the government to be transparent about its financial limitations. Hon. Thaddeus Nzambia called for realistic budgeting:
“Let the public know that the government is unable to fully fund higher education. It is a dire situation.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Bisau Kaikai urged institutions to seek alternative revenue streams instead of solely relying on government capitation:
“Universities and colleges need to explore income-generating activities to supplement government funding.”
Despite earlier assurances from Treasury and Economic Planning CS John Mbadi that capitation funds would be released on time, most institutions are yet to receive the much-needed isbursements.
The Public Investments Committee is expected to issue a formal report on the matter after meeting with the relevant Cabinet Secretaries
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