Kenya’s public education system is facing a staggering funding crisis, with the Auditor General revealing a Sh117 billion shortfall in government capitation over four financial years. Secondary schools have borne the brunt of the deficit, raising alarm over the sustainability of free education policies.
Highlights:
- Public schools underfunded by Sh117 billion between 2019 and 2023
- Secondary schools lost the most, missing Sh71 billion in funding
- Junior Secondary and primary schools short by Sh31B and Sh14B respectively
- Concerns rise over overcrowding, lack of resources, and strained learning conditions
Main Story:
A damning report from the Auditor General has revealed that Kenyan public schools have been underfunded by a total of Sh117 billion in capitation funds over a four-year period. The report breaks down the deficit across secondary, junior high, and primary schools, painting a bleak picture for learners and educators alike.
Secondary schools were the most affected, accounting for Sh71 billion of the funding gap — nearly two-thirds of the total shortfall. Junior Secondary schools, introduced under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), followed with a Sh31 billion deficit, while primary schools were underfunded by Sh14 billion.
The shortfall in capitation — money meant to cover tuition, learning materials, infrastructure, and co-curricular support — has left many schools overwhelmed and under-resourced. Headteachers have decried overcrowded classrooms, delays in textbook deliveries, and unpaid suppliers.
With secondary education being a crucial stage in Kenya’s free education initiative, the funding gaps threaten to derail the government’s goals of quality and inclusive learning. Junior Secondary schools, still struggling to stabilize under the CBC rollout, are also suffering due to the lack of critical teaching and learning resources.
Education stakeholders are now urging the Treasury and Ministry of Education to prioritise full and timely disbursement of capitation funds. The Auditor General’s findings have reignited debate over how public funds are allocated and whether the current education financing model is sustainable.
Lawmakers and teacher unions are demanding a review of budgetary priorities, warning that the current path could widen inequality in access to education — especially for learners in rural and low-income areas.
If funding gaps persist, Kenya risks turning its promise of free education into an empty pledge — and the cost will be borne by an entire generation.
