Good News for Parents and Learners as Govt Proposes Major Changes Ahead of 2027 School Reopening

President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to review and increase government funding for public schools ahead of the January 2027 reopening.

The directive was issued on Thursday, November 12, during the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) National Annual General Meeting held in Mombasa County.

Ruto instructed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other education stakeholders to review the current capitation rates and establish how much the government should allocate to each learner.

The President also directed the officials to submit a report to his office by January 2027, allowing him to make a decision before schools reopen for the first term.

“I have instructed Ogamba and the TSC to again look at the numbers so that we can review that capitation and make it upwards and make it possible for you to teach our children better,” Ruto said.

Currently, the government allocates KSh1,420 annually for each primary school learner, KSh15,042 for junior secondary school learners and KSh22,244 for each senior secondary school learner.

However, school heads have raised concerns over the rising cost of running institutions and delays in receiving the full government allocation.

The proposed review is expected to help schools meet expenses such as learning materials, administration and other essential services.

Ruto also announced plans to introduce a single funding model for primary and junior secondary schools operating under the comprehensive school system.

He directed the Ministry, TSC and teachers’ unions to work together and establish how the new arrangement should operate.

The announcement comes as parents prepare for the January 2027 school opening, with many households facing financial pressure from school-related expenses.

However, the President did not announce the new capitation rates, meaning the actual increase will depend on the report and his final decision.

Parents and school heads will now be waiting to see how much additional funding the government will approve.

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