Inconsistent disbursement of capitation funds since January 2025 has left public primary, junior, and secondary schools across the country struggling to stay afloat, with many institutions unable to meet operational costs, pay suppliers, or maintain essential services.
According to school administrators, the National Treasury has released less than half of the funds promised for the 2025 academic year, severely undermining day-to-day operations in public schools.
Under the current schedule, schools were to receive 50 percent of their annual capitation in Term One, 30 percent in Term Two, and the remaining 20 percent in Term Three.
However, records indicate that only 20 percent was disbursed in both the first and second terms, while the third-term allocation remains unpaid to date.
This shortfall has left school heads facing mounting debts and frustrated creditors.
In several cases, suppliers have withdrawn services or taken legal action, forcing administrators into an impossible position between fulfilling contractual obligations and keeping classrooms functional.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi have publicly blamed headteachers for what they termed as “poor financial management” and “misuse of funds.”
However, education stakeholders argue that the real issue is the government’s failure to release funds in full and on time.
“School leaders are being unfairly accused of mismanagement when they have simply not received the money they were promised,” said one headteacher who requested anonymity to speak freely.
“You cannot pay suppliers or feed students on promises.”
Observers note that the underfunding has affected the quality of education and morale among both students and staff.
Some schools have been forced to suspend development projects and reduce co-curricular activities to cope with limited budgets.
Education analysts have urged the government to prioritize timely and adequate funding, warning that the continued strain could erode public confidence in the free education program.
“The focus should shift from blame to solutions,” said an education expert. “Transparency in disbursement and a structured dialogue between the Treasury, Ministry of Education, and school administrators is critical to restoring stability in the sector.”
As schools close the third term amid growing uncertainty, the call for accountability and consistency in funding remains urgent.
Stakeholders are now demanding that the government fulfill its financial obligations to safeguard the right to quality education for all learners.
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