By TRBN Reporter
The government has moved to ensure a smooth start to the 2026 academic year on Monday, January 5 through timely release of Sh44.2 billion in capitation funds for term one as confirmed by the Ministry of Education.
In a statement issued Friday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the funds will facilitate the seamless running of school activities from the start of the term.
Of the total Sh44,245,066,500.85 released, ministry allocated Sh3.7 billion to Free Primary Education, Sh14.5 billion to Free Day Junior School Education, and Sh26.08 billion to Free Day Secondary Education.
Ogamba said the disbursement seeks to ensure a smooth start to the term, with Grade 10 learners expected to report to their respective senior schools from January 12, 2026.
“All basic education schools [are] expected to re-open for the new term on Monday, 5th January, 2026,” the CS said, adding that ministry field officers would monitor compliance with the academic calendar across the country.
The CS reaffirmed that fees payable in senior schools remain unchanged, noting that the government will continue to provide capitation at the rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year.
He warned school heads against imposing extra levies, saying the ministry would take firm action against any verified cases of misappropriation or illegal charges.
“The Government affirms its commitment to fulfil its duty to learners and educational institutions in line with Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education,” Ogamba said.
The CS also provided an update on the placement of learners into Grade 10 of Senior School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
He noted that the first revision of Grade 10 placements was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions for successfully placed learners made available on the Ministry’s placement portal from December 30, 2025.
Parents, guardians and learners seeking a review of placements will have another opportunity between January 6 and January 9, 2026.
Ogamba explained that the review window is intended to address genuine and verifiable cases, allowing families to present valid reasons for reconsideration of either the initial or revised placement.
Requests for further review may be initiated through a learner’s Junior School or the Senior School of interest and must be submitted by the head of institution.
“The requests shall be submitted by the Head of Institution through the placement portal and duly processed in accordance with the protocols that have already been issued by the Ministry,” the statement reads.
