Public secondary schools in Kenya are facing fresh financial pressure despite the government releasing Sh18.5 billion in capitation for the third term.

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association says schools remain short of about Sh8,000 per learner. Association chairperson Willie Kuria said only about Sh14,050 per student has reached school accounts this year, compared with the annual allocation of Sh22,244.

The government allocated Sh10.96 billion to secondary schools, Sh6.14 billion to junior schools and Sh1.40 billion to primary schools. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the money was released to support school operations and prevent disruption to learning.

School heads say the shortfall is making it difficult to pay suppliers and cover daily expenses. The pressure comes as institutions prepare learners for national assessments and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations later in 2026.