Schools across the country are set for a smoother reopening after the government released Sh23.4 billion in capitation funds ahead of the second term, marking a shift from years of chronic delays that often disrupted learning.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok on Wednesday, confirmed the funds have already been disbursed to school accounts and should reflect by Friday, giving institutions enough time to prepare before learners resume classes on April 27.
The early release follows a directive by President William Ruto, who has repeatedly pledged to streamline capitation and end the uncertainty that has long plagued school operations.
For years, delayed funds forced principals into difficult decisions, sending students home, accumulating debt with suppliers, or scaling down essential services such as meals and learning materials.
This time, schools are expected to avoid that cycle.
With funds arriving before reopening, administrators can stock food, settle pending bills, and plan lessons without disruption, offering relief to both teachers and parents who have borne the brunt of past inefficiencies.
The disbursement also forms part of a broader push by the government to stabilise the education sector, including the recruitment of over 100,000 teachers and reforms aimed at improving financial predictability in schools.
Bitok had earlier on promised fast-tracked disbursement to allow schools adequate time to prepare for reopening and avoid disruptions in learning.
“The release of capitation before April 27 will enable schools to operate smoothly, while the distribution of Grade 10 textbooks guarantees that learners have the resources they need to succeed,” he said, speaking in Makueni, on March 31.
He noted that the government is also prioritising the distribution of learning materials, including Grade 10 textbooks, as part of the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
“The distribution of Grade 10 textbooks guarantees that learners have the resources they need to succeed,” Bitok said.