Schools in crisis as funding delays push education to edge of collapse

The education sector is facing a systemic collapse that threatens to reverse the gains made over the last two decades.

From under-funding to delayed capitation as well as budget cuts, stakeholders are now questioning whether the system has been deliberately set up to fail.

The sector is also faced with erratic changes in curriculum and rushed policy implementations, which experts say have brought confusion rather than solutions.

Capitation—the government’s per-student funding for public schools—has long been the backbone of the Free Primary Education and subsidised Secondary Education programmes.

Yet, according to Tunza Mtoto Coalition CEO Ouko Muthoni, schools are struggling to stay afloat four weeks into the second term, with no disbursement of funds in sight.

“The only fund that gets to learners is capitation and teachers’ salaries. But monies retained at the ministry remain unaccounted for,” she said.

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She added that the current allocation—Sh1,400 per primary school learner, meant to cover textbooks and operational costs—is grossly inadequate. “When budget cuts hit, capitation is the first to suffer.”

According to Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Willie Kuria, last term, the government owed each secondary school learner Sh3,156 after disbursing only Sh8,000 instead of the expected Sh11,000.

“This is the longest term in our calendar with many co-curriculum activities taking place. If schools fail to prepare and facilitate learners, it usually boils down to unrest,” he warned.

“Our hands are tied. We do not want headteachers to be accused of running down schools, yet they are not facilitated,” lamented a school principal.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akelo Misori underscored the damaging impact of delayed capitation on school activities.

“No child should be left behind when it comes to funding. The government has an obligation to support each student in schools,” said Misori.

Muthoni decried what she termed as “man-made” crises that are sabotaging learners’ futures.

“We are witnessing a reversal of gains we made in the last 20 years. This is not just about one ministry—it’s about leadership and accountability at the very top,” she said.

She took issue with the current leadership in the Ministry of Education, pointing out that critical appointments seem to be driven by politics rather than experience or sector knowledge.

“When we were implementing CBC, the PS was an ambassador in Pakistan and changed to be in charge of Immigration. How do you expect him to understand CBC transitions to CBE?” she said emphasising that while the Cabinet Secretary is often blamed, the real responsibility lies higher.

National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa warned that thousands of children are dropping out due to school fees.

The education sector, he added, appears trapped in endless reforms: The change from National Education Management Information System to Kenya Education Management Information System, from Competency Based Curriculum to Competency Based Education, and the shifting domiciles of junior secondary.