Why your child may start senior school unfunded

Parents and learners during Grade 10 admission at Nyambaria High School in Nyamira County. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

As the first cohort of Grade 10 learners settles into Kenya’s newly restructured senior schools, over a million students are attending without adequate government support. According to official data, at least one million learners—92 per cent of the total—have been admitted, yet institutions are grappling with acute funding shortfalls, highlighting strains in the transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Education (CBE).

Grade 10 learners, who mark the start of senior school under CBC, are relying on allocations intended for outgoing 8-4-4 cohorts. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba explained that funds were disbursed based on last year’s enrolment data, excluding the new intake.

“The capitation was released based on last year’s student numbers, hence not factoring in the new students,” he said. The Ministry is awaiting updated admission figures before making further financial decisions.

The funding gap has forced schools to stretch already thin resources, leaving laboratories, classrooms, boarding facilities, and teaching staff serving more learners than budgeted, raising concerns over education quality.

“The annual capitation of Sh22,244 per learner is disbursed in three instalments of 50:30:20 per term. We released the 50 per cent to sustain students for the first term,” he said at the Global Partnership for Education forum.

However, he acknowledged that the release fell short, particularly with the influx of Grade 10 learners. Additional funding will depend on updated enrolment figures.

On the ground, school heads report that the situation is graver than official statements suggest. Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Willie Kuria said the Term One allocation of Sh7,000 per student fell well below the Sh11,122 needed. “The government used last year’s data. We expect additional funding as Grade 10 learners settle. The Ministry will rationalise the numbers for the next disbursement,” Kuria said.

A circular from Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok dated January 2, 2026 shows allocations per student for Term One at Sh7,952.04, yet schools only received Sh6,577.04, with Sh1,375 retained for textbooks and capacity-building.

Breakdowns show Sh1,072 allocated for teaching and learning materials, Sh100 to Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) for  Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) training, and Sh900 retained by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for textbooks. The operations account received Sh5,505.04, including Sh1,500 for maintenance, Sh3,055.04 for administration, electricity, water, and salaries, Sh575 for medical insurance, and Sh375 for co-curricular activities.

Principals say the released funds cover only Forms Three and Four under 8-4-4, leaving Grade 10 learners unfunded. Boarding schools face even greater pressure, with meals, utilities, and learning materials strained by rising numbers. Cluster 4 schools, reliant almost entirely on government capitation, are hardest hit.

Ironically, senior schools now have more space due to one phased-out class, allowing enrolment increases of 1,000 to 2,000 students.

School heads warn that underfunding risks undermining the promise of senior school, placing both institutions and learners under immense strain. “We expected the government to plan ahead to ensure a seamless transition,” said a principal from Makueni County.