Ruto’s Ksh 44 Billion Education Assurance
- The Big Release: President William Ruto has announced the release of Ksh 44 billion to fund the January 2026 school reopening and CBC transition.
- No Pay Cuts: The President firmly dismissed claims that capitation would be slashed, confirming that the rate remains at Ksh 22,244 for senior school learners.
- Transition Milestone: A total of 1,130,000 learners are set to join Grade 10 (Senior School) in January 2026, marking a major leap for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
- Politics vs. Education: Ruto warned politicians, specifically referencing recent claims by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, to stop using the education sector for “propaganda.”
President William Ruto has moved to calm nerves across the country, firmly dismissing reports that his administration intends to slash school capitation funds ahead of the 2026 academic year.
Speaking during a church service at Covenant Church International in Rotian, Narok County, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, the President described the rumors as “petty politics” designed to cause panic among parents.
The clarification comes at a critical time as schools prepare to welcome over 1.1 million Grade 10 learners into the newly established Senior School category under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Ksh 44 Billion “Early Bird” Release
To ensure a frictionless start to the year, the President revealed that the National Treasury has already disbursed Ksh 44 billion for capitation.
This early release is intended to give school administrators enough time to purchase learning materials and prepare infrastructure before students report in January.
Key Funding Breakdown for 2026:
- Total Disbursed: Ksh 44 Billion.
- Senior School Rate: Ksh 22,244 per learner.
- Primary School Boost: Increased by 58% to reach Ksh 2,238 per pupil (up from Ksh 1,420).
- Target Population: Over 1.13 million Grade 10 students.
Ruto vs. Nyoro: The “Gazette Notice” Controversy
The President’s remarks were a direct response to claims made by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who had recently alleged that the Ministry of Education was planning to revert to a 2015 Gazette notice.
Nyoro claimed this move would effectively cut secondary school capitation from Ksh 22,244 to just Ksh 12,870, forcing parents to cough up an additional Ksh 9,000 per year.
Ruto, however, was categorical: “There is no plan whatsoever to reduce capitation. Education is a constitutional right, and we will not sacrifice it on the altar of political interests.” He urged leaders to focus on facts rather than misinterpreting old legal documents to score political points.
The Grade 10 Milestone
January 2026 marks the official entry of the first CBC cohort into Senior School. The President emphasized that the government has hired an additional 24,000 teachers and constructed over 23,000 classrooms to facilitate this transition.
“We are not just sending money; we are providing the human resource and infrastructure needed to make Senior School a success,” Ruto added. He warned school heads against “exploiting” parents by demanding illegal fees under the guise of delayed government funding.
What Parents Should Expect in January
With the Ksh 44 billion already in the pipeline, the Ministry of Education has instructed school principals to ensure that fee structures remain within the official government guidelines.
Parents of children in Day Senior Schools should continue to enjoy free tuition, while those in Boarding Schools will only pay for meals and accommodation as per the stipulated caps.
