Schools to Receive More Capitation in Next Budget as Government Moves to Solarize All Institutions
Nakuru, Kenya – Public schools across Kenya are set to receive increased capitation funding in the upcoming national budget, a move aimed at relieving mounting financial pressure on learning institutions struggling to meet operational costs. Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok confirmed that the ministry’s budget has already been enhanced and submitted to parliament, awaiting approval for the next financial allocations. The announcement came during the Elimu Mashinani Convention in Nakuru County, where the PS engaged with education stakeholders in discussions on practical strategies to raise learning standards nationwide.
Prof. Bitok further revealed that the government is actively pursuing an ambitious solarization project designed to transition all schools to solar energy. The initiative is intended to slash electricity expenses while guaranteeing an uninterrupted power supply, addressing a persistent challenge that has disrupted learning in many institutions, particularly those in remote areas prone to grid instability. By harnessing solar power, schools will not only reduce their operational costs but also contribute to the country’s broader push toward renewable energy adoption.
Speaking before a gathering of educators, administrators, and education officials, Prof. Bitok rallied stakeholders to unite under the hashtag #ElimuThabiti, urging them to work collectively toward shaping a more inclusive and quality-driven future for every Kenyan learner. He emphasized that improving education outcomes requires a coordinated effort from all parties involved, including school leaders, teachers, parents, and government agencies. The convention provided a platform for open dialogue on some of the most pressing issues currently facing the education sector.
One of the key concerns raised by the PS was the rising wave of school unrest, which has disrupted learning in several institutions across the country. Prof. Bitok encouraged school principals to establish regular and meaningful engagement with their students, stressing that open communication channels can help identify and resolve grievances before they escalate into full-blown crises. He noted that many incidents of unrest stem from unaddressed student concerns, and proactive dialogue between school leadership and learners could significantly reduce such occurrences.
The PS also highlighted two major social challenges threatening the well-being of learners: drug abuse and teenage pregnancies. He described these issues as deeply troubling and called on all education stakeholders to collaborate in eradicating them from schools. He reiterated that girls who become pregnant should not be denied the opportunity to complete their education, directing that they must be allowed to return to school after delivery and resume their studies without discrimination. Additionally, education officials are working alongside national government administrators to track down students who may have dropped out for other reasons and ensure they are readmitted into the system.
Turning to academic performance, Prof. Bitok challenged Nakuru County stakeholders to intensify efforts toward improving national examination results. He expressed disappointment with the county’s performance in the previous year, noting that out of approximately 49,000 candidates who sat for the exams, only about 7,200 attained the minimum university entry grade of C+. This translates to a university transition rate of less than 15 per cent, a figure the PS described as unsatisfactory and in need of urgent remedial action. He called on educators to identify specific bottlenecks affecting learner achievement and implement targeted interventions to raise scores.
On the issue of compensation for Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) examiners, Prof. Bitok provided assurance that outstanding dues would be settled within the next two weeks. He acknowledged that the delay had been caused by a temporary lack of funds but confirmed that the government had since made necessary arrangements to clear the payments. This assurance comes as a relief to thousands of teachers and education officials who serve as examiners during national assessment periods, often waiting months for their remuneration.
The PS also announced that the government would roll out the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) programme in the coming weeks. The initiative is designed to establish an accurate count of students enrolled in schools across the country. Prof. Bitok expressed concern that some head teachers might be misrepresenting actual student numbers in their institutions, potentially leading to skewed capitation allocations and compromised planning. KEMIS will provide reliable data to guide resource distribution and policy formulation.
Nakuru County Commissioner Dr. Loyford Kibaara, who also addressed the convention, acknowledged that drug trafficking remains a significant challenge within educational institutions. He stated that county administrators and security agencies are actively monitoring schools to curb the illegal trade and protect learners from exposure to narcotics.
Dr. Kibaara invited school administrators who require assistance from sniffer dogs to trace drugs within their premises to coordinate with national government administrators in their respective regions. The dogs, trained to detect concealed narcotics, have proven effective in past operations and can help identify hotspots within school compounds.
The county commissioner further warned that criminal gangs continue to pose a serious threat to learners by recruiting students and pressuring them to abandon their education. He noted that security agencies have already arrested several suspects involved in gang-related activities targeting schools, and assured stakeholders that the crackdown would continue without letup. Dr. Kibaara called on all government administrative and security personnel to remain perpetually vigilant, emphasizing that protecting the nation’s youth from criminal elements requires sustained effort and inter-agency cooperation.
The Elimu Mashinani Convention in Nakuru served as a critical forum for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Kenya’s education sector. From financial constraints and energy costs to social vices and security threats, the discussions underscored the complexity of delivering quality education in a rapidly changing environment. With enhanced capitation on the horizon, a solarization project in the pipeline, and renewed focus on stakeholder collaboration, the government is signaling its commitment to tackling these issues head-on. Whether these measures will translate into measurable improvements in learning outcomes remains to be seen, but for the thousands of students and teachers in Nakuru and beyond, the promise of change has at least been placed firmly on the table.
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