Speaking in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during the disbursement of Nyota Funds, the President said the government had released KSh44 billion to schools ahead of the reopening date, marking a significant shift in funding timelines.
According to Ruto, the funds — disbursed before learners returned to school on Monday, January 5 — represent 50 per cent of the total capitation allocation for the year and were shared across primary, junior and senior secondary schools.
Early disbursement and sector reforms
The Head of State said the early release of capitation funds reflects the government’s commitment to restoring confidence in the education sector, which has faced funding shortfalls and operational challenges in recent years.
“We have demonstrated our track record in matters of education,” Ruto said. “For the first time, capitation money was sent to schools before children set foot in classrooms.”
He added that the government has also increased investment in teacher recruitment and education infrastructure, including the construction of laboratories and learning facilities, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening basic education.
The President further noted that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which had drawn criticism from parents and teachers, has now been streamlined and placed on a clearer implementation path.
Full capitation pledge
Ruto assured school administrators and parents that the government remains committed to releasing the full standard capitation amount for senior schools.
He said each learner is entitled to KSh22,244 annually, and pledged that the remaining balance would be paid in full over the next two school terms.
“We have committed to ensuring that the full capitation of about KSh22,000 per child will be available in the next two terms so that learning continues uninterrupted,” he stated.
Investing in human capital
The President framed education funding as a strategic investment in Kenya’s long-term development, describing human capital as the country’s most valuable resource.
“The biggest resource we have in Kenya is our people, especially our young population,” Ruto said. “That is why we are investing more in education — to sharpen that human capital and secure the country’s future.”
State House briefing
Ruto’s remarks came a day after he received a detailed briefing on education sector reforms at State House, Nairobi, from Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba.
The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok and Technical and Vocational Education and Training PS Esther Muoria, who updated the President on funding, staffing and infrastructure initiatives.
The government’s assurances come amid growing scrutiny from school heads and education stakeholders over capitation delays and rising operational costs, with calls for predictable and timely disbursement continuing to dominate the national education debate.
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