Ndindi Nyoro Threatens Parent Protests Over Delayed School Capitation Funds

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has warned that he will mobilise parents to protest if the government fails to fully release first-term school capitation funds by midterm.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, 6 January, Nyoro said delays in disbursing capitation were disrupting the running of public schools and violating learners’ constitutional right to free basic education. He rejected claims by the government that the funds already released were sufficient to sustain schools.

Nyoro, a former chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said the amounts sent to schools so far were inadequate to meet operational needs. He stated that leaders were not asking for favours but demanding that the government meet its obligations, adding that parents could not remain silent while access to education was compromised.

His remarks come as learners across the country return to school for the new academic year. School administrators have raised concerns about rising costs and the challenge of maintaining standards when funding is delayed or incomplete.

The Ministry of Education has, however, said it has released Ksh44.2 billion for Term One, 2026. 

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced on 2 January that Ksh26 billion had been allocated to Free Day Secondary Education, Ksh15 billion to Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh4 billion to Free Primary Education. Ogamba urged school heads to manage the funds carefully and warned against imposing unauthorised charges on parents. 

He said the government remained committed to Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child free and compulsory basic education.