Capitation funds linked to verified enrolment as schools rush to comply

The Ministry of Education has reported a near-total compliance with its directive requiring schools to resubmit student enrolment data.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed Friday that nearly all primary and secondary institutions have already filed the details needed to unlock government capitation funds.

Bitok said 32,000 institutions, representing 98 per cent of public schools, have already submitted their details, with only 3,000 receiving third-term capitation after verification at the Ministry headquarters.

He explained that the number of compliant schools is expected to grow as education officers continue working through the weekend to certify entries.

“So far, 3,000 schools have been able to receive capitation after being verified to have the correct data on the correct number of students that are in schools,” said the PS.

Speaking at Machakos Teachers Training College, where the verification exercise is ongoing, Bitok assured schools that those cleared would receive funds by next Friday.

“We are anticipating that by the end of next week, all of our 32,000 schools will have received their money,” he added.

Schools are required to present each learner’s Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) as reflected in birth certificates, alongside their institution’s registration number and certified bank account details, through sub-county education offices.

Bitok defended the process as vital in eliminating ghost schools and inflated enrolment, noting that past audits and parliamentary inquiries had questioned disbursement integrity.

“We therefore had no option but to verify the data to ensure that every shilling reaches the right school and the right learner. This is about accountability to the Kenyan child and to the nation,” he said.

According to the PS, secondary schools lead in compliance, followed by junior schools, with primary schools lagging due to internet and technology challenges.

He cited Masii Boys High School in Machakos as a model of early compliance, confirming that the institution has already received its full allocation.

“I am very pleased that when we visited Masii, the principal confirmed that the funds had been credited to the school account and that operations will now run smoothly,” he noted.

The Ministry has extended the deadline for data submission to Friday, September 12, 2025, to allow the remaining schools to comply.

Bitok warned principals and county supervisors yet to submit data in the required format that they risk stern punishment for missing deadlines.