Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has raised alarm over unclear government capitation to secondary schools, warning that parents may be forced to cover the shortfall if funds remain insufficient. He says the recent Ksh.26 billion disbursement lacks a clear breakdown and questions whether it will address the Ksh.22.5 billion owed from last year.
“By the time we are going to the mid-term, we expect the government to have sent real money for this term. Failure to which, we are going to mobilise all Kenyan parents to demand what is their right, because they pay taxes and cannot continue to observe silently,” Nyoro said.
What are the capitation shortfalls for learners?
According to government figures, Term One 2025 expected Ksh.11,122 per learner but only Ksh.8,818 was disbursed, leaving a Ksh.2,304 shortfall. Term Two expected Ksh.6,673 per learner but received Ksh.3,471, a gap of Ksh.3,202. Term Three expected Ksh.4,449 per learner, with only Ksh.3,095 received, leaving Ksh.1,354 unpaid.
Nyoro warned that if this pattern continues in 2026, principals may require parents to cover the deficits. He stressed that such measures could disproportionately affect learners from low-income households, potentially locking them out of school.
Nyoro has vowed to mobilise parents across Kenya to demand transparency and full payment of capitation. He emphasized that taxpayers’ money should guarantee learners their entitled support, urging the government to act promptly to prevent further disruptions in education funding.
By Lucky Anyanje