Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has firmly denied claims circulating in public that the government is cutting capitation funding for secondary school students from KSh22,000 to KSh16,000 per learner.

Speaking during a public forum on Monday, July 28, Ogamba emphasized that the Ministry of Education has neither recommended nor implemented any such changes to the capitation model.

“Nobody has ever said that we are reducing the money from KSh22,000 to KSh16,000. I don’t know where that came from,” Ogamba clarified. “Even my colleague never said anything close to that.”

Calls for Accuracy and Responsibility

Ogamba urged political leaders and the public to avoid spreading misinformation, warning that it may spark unnecessary panic and erode trust in the education system.

“We are all in this together,” he noted. “What happens in budget-making is a matter of looking at available funds and allocating them across ministries. The education sector deserves and will continue to receive the support it requires.”

Treasury CS: Budget Constraints Are Real

Ogamba’s remarks come days after Treasury CS John Mbadi told Parliament that sustaining the KSh22,000 per student capitation model might become unsustainable under the current fiscal constraints.

“The budgets cannot support the 22,000 shillings,” Mbadi noted during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Education.

MPs on the committee had also flagged concerns about irregular fund disbursements, including allocations to non-existent or ‘ghost’ schools.

Assurance of Continuous Support

Despite the ongoing debate, CS Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for Kenya’s education sector. He assured parents and stakeholders that the transition policy remains on course and no student will be left behind due to financial issues.

“We are producing the best human resource capital in Africa,” he concluded. “Our education system is strong. The children will be in class, transition will happen, and any challenges will be addressed, whether through supplementary budgets or other measures.”