Kenyan Schools to Reopen on January 5 as Government Releases KSh 44.2 Billion Capitation for Term One

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that all basic education institutions across the country will reopen for Term One of the 2026 academic year on Monday, January 5, 2026.

In a press statement issued by Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, the ministry said field officers will work with regional and county education directors to ensure full adherence to the academic calendar as schools resume.

The Ministry also announced that the first revision of placements for learners transitioning to Grade 10 of Senior School was completed on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions made available on the national placement portal from December 30, 2025.

Learners who wish to seek a review of their placement will have an opportunity to do so between January 6 and January 9, 2026, through their respective Junior Schools or preferred Senior Schools. The requests will be processed in line with established ministry guidelines.

As part of preparations for the new term, the Government has released KSh 44.25 billion in capitation funds for learners in public basic education institutions.

The funds, disbursed for Term One, have been allocated across the three levels of education Free Primary Education, Free Day Junior School Education and Free Day Secondary Education.

According to the ministry, the release of the funds will support smooth learning activities from January 5, while Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their designated Senior Schools beginning January 12, 2026.

The statement further reaffirmed that school fees for Senior Schools remain unchanged, with the Government continuing to provide capitation at the rate of KSh 22,244 per learner annually.

School heads and principals have been cautioned against imposing unauthorized levies or mismanaging public resources, with the Ministry warning that any verified cases of misuse of funds will be dealt with firmly.

The Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring every child has access to free and compulsory basic education, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution.