Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed claims that the government has slashed capitation funding for learners.
Speaking at a public engagement on Monday, July 28, CS Ogamba stated that the Ministry of Education has neither proposed nor implemented a reduction in the capitation amount allocated to secondary school students.
His remarks come amid mounting public anxiety over reports suggesting a cut from the current KSh22,000 to KSh16,000 per learner.
“Nobody has ever said that we are reducing the money from KSh22,000 to KSh16,000. I don’t know where that came from,” Ogamba said. “Even my colleague never said anything close to that.”
Ogamba emphasized the need for accuracy and responsibility in public communication, warning that misleading information could erode public trust and cause unnecessary panic.
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He called on political leaders to support the education sector by offering practical solutions and exploring new funding mechanisms instead of fueling alarm.
“We are all in this together. What happens in budget-making is a matter of looking at available funds and allocating them across ministries. The education sector deserves and will continue to receive the support it requires,” he noted.
His remarks follow a recent session before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, where Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi admitted that sustaining the KSh22,000 per learner capitation model may no longer be feasible due to tightening budget constraints.
“The budgets cannot support the 22,000 shillings,” CS John Mbadi stated then.
Committee members raised concerns about possible disbursement discrepancies, including non-existent or 'ghost' schools receiving allocations.
Ogamba has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for learners across educational levels, assuring the public that no student would be disadvantaged due to funding concerns.
“We are producing the best human resource capital in Africa. Our education system is strong, and we are not going to fail. The children will be in class, transition will happen, and any challenges will be addressed, whether through supplementary budgets or other measures,” he assured.
