According to the Ministry of Education, each primary school learner has been allocated KSh 95.25 for learning materials and KSh 93.08 for school operations this term.
The funds were deposited into school accounts as part of the government’s annual capitation programme.
The allocation sparked widespread backlash from Kenyans who questioned how such a small amount could adequately cater to essential educational needs, including exercise books, textbooks, stationery and school maintenance.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok defended the allocation explaining that the capitation is calculated based on the total funds disbursed by the National Treasury and distributed according to approved expenditure categories.
Bitok noted that the annual capitation per primary school learner remains capped at KSh 1,400 which is released in phases throughout the school calendar under the ratio of 50:30:20 across the three terms.
However, argued that the KSh 95 allocation for learning materials is unrealistic given the rising cost of educational supplies and the financial burden already facing many Kenyan families.
Parents and education stakeholders accused the government of underfunding public education while expecting schools to maintain quality standards with limited resources.
President William Ruto’s administration has faced mounting pressure to address concerns over education financing, with many Kenyans calling for increased investment in the sector to safeguard the future of learners.
The controversy has once again highlighted the challenges facing Kenya’s public education system especially for schools that heavily rely on government support to sustain daily operations.
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Education