Ruto Announces Major Change in School Capitation Funds Ahead of New Term
President William Ruto has announced a major change to how schools receive money, promising to release capitation funds before the start of every term.
Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at AIC Githumu in Kandara, Murang’a County, the President explained that this shift aims to keep classrooms running smoothly and end the chronic delays that have long plagued school operations.
Ruto pointed out that the old system forced headteachers to wait for funding until after students had already arrived, creating unnecessary financial pressure on institutions. By moving the disbursement date forward, the government intends to ensure that schools are fully prepared to welcome learners the moment the gates open.
“Tulikubaliana yakwamba watoto wetu wasome, na mimi nikiwa hapa Murang’a leo, vile nilitangaza last week, mbeleni walimu wakuu walikuwa wanangojea pesa ya capitation baada ya watoto kufika shuleni. But nimebadilisha from this year; kabla ya watoto kufika shuleni, tunatoa pesa ya capitation watoto wakutane nayo shuleni,” Ruto said.
Under this new arrangement, the government aims to empower schools to plan ahead and operate without financial strain. The Head of State revealed that the treasury has already moved significant resources to support this policy, with Ksh23 billion recently sent to institutions across the country.
“On the 23rd of April, tulituma 23 billion kwa mashule yetu yote,” he said.
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According to Ruto, the administration successfully met its targets for the first half of the year, ensuring that second-term funds reached schools a full week before students returned. He promised to maintain this pace for the remainder of the academic year, vowing that the next round of funding will arrive well before the final term begins.
“Pesa ya first term tulituma first term, pesa ya second term tumetuma second term. Ile imebaki, kabla ya third term kufunguliwa tutatuma pesa ya watoto wetu,” he added.
President Ruto called on education stakeholders to manage the newly released funds with integrity, ensuring every shilling directly benefits the students. He noted that while political debate remains lively in Kenya, actual results require focused work and responsible oversight.
“I have deliberately made it, haijawai fanyika siku ingine. Unajua siasa hii Kenya ni mingi na watu wa kuongea ni wengi, lakini watu wa kufanya kazi ni wachache. Kwa hivo nawauliza stakeholders tuweke masomo ya watoto wetu mbele na tuhakikishe ile pesa yote tunatoa inatumika kwa njia ya sawasawa,” he said.
This directive addresses years of anxiety among school administrators, who have frequently complained that late payments forced schools to survive on credit.
Ruto closed by reaffirming that his administration views education as a top priority. He maintained that providing resources before the term begins is the only way to ensure that learners can hit the ground running on day one.
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