Kenyan learners will return to classrooms on Monday, January 5, 2026, as the Ministry of Education officially kicks off the new academic year across all basic education institutions nationwide.
In a statement released on Friday, January 2, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed the reopening date, assuring parents and stakeholders that the government is fully prepared for a smooth start to the term.
Ogamba said the ministry will closely monitor schools to ensure strict adherence to the approved academic calendar, adding that quality learning time must be protected in all public and private institutions.
To support school operations, the government has released Ksh44,245,066,500.85 in capitation funds for Term One, aimed at sustaining teaching, learning and essential services in public basic education institutions.
Out of the total allocation, Ksh3.7 billion has been earmarked for Free Primary Education, Ksh14.4 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh26.1 billion for Free Day Secondary Education.
“The release of capitation funds will facilitate the seamless conduct of school activities in the new term,” Ogamba said, noting that timely disbursement remains critical to effective school management.
The Cabinet Secretary further announced that Grade 10 learners transitioning to Senior School are expected to report to their respective institutions from January 12, 2026, in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum rollout.
He also provided an update on Senior School placements, revealing that the first revision exercise was concluded on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions uploaded to the placement portal a day later.
Parents, guardians and learners seeking further placement reviews have been given another opportunity, with requests set to be submitted between January 6 and January 9, 2026.
According to the ministry, all review requests must be initiated through the learner’s Junior School or the Senior School of interest and processed exclusively via the official placement portal.
Ogamba issued a firm warning to school heads and principals against misusing public funds, stressing that the ministry will not tolerate misappropriation or unjustified financial demands imposed on learners.
“Heads of institutions are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners,” he said, cautioning against illegal levies or hidden charges.
The government reiterated its commitment to free and compulsory basic education as guaranteed under Article 53 of the Constitution, assuring parents that officially approved school fees will remain unchanged.
Capitation for Senior Schools, Ogamba confirmed, will continue at Ksh22,244 per learner annually, despite ongoing fiscal pressures facing the government.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns raised by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who criticised proposals to slash capitation for day secondary schools.
Speaking in November 2025, Nyoro warned that reducing capitation from Ksh22,000 to Ksh12,000 per learner would shift the financial burden to parents and undermine gains made in free education.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has also acknowledged funding challenges, admitting that full capitation has not been consistently met in recent years.
Mbadi revealed that secondary schools have been receiving Ksh16,900 instead of the required Ksh22,244 per learner, while junior schools received Ksh10,000 against a required Ksh15,042.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Education insists that learner access, equity and quality education remain top priorities as schools reopen for the new academic year.
