Basic education institutions across the country will swing open their gates on Monday, January 5, ushering in the 2026 academic year amid assurances of full funding, tight supervision and smoother learner placement under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In a press statement issued on January 2, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that all public basic education schools are expected to resume learning as scheduled, backed by timely capitation and enhanced oversight by Ministry of Education field officers.
Ogamba said Regional and County Directors of Education will deploy officers on the ground to monitor compliance with the academic calendar and ensure schools reopen without hitches.
“As schools reopen, ministry field officers will be actively monitoring adherence to the school calendar to guarantee a smooth and uninterrupted start to the term,” the CS said.
The CS also gave an update on the highly anticipated placement of learners into Grade 10 senior schools, a key milestone in the CBC transition.
He revealed that the first revision of Grade 10 placements was concluded on December 29, 2025, with joining instructions for successfully placed learners uploaded on the Ministry’s placement portal from December 30.
For parents and learners dissatisfied with their placements, Ogamba announced a second review window running from January 6 to January 9, 2026.
“This review period is meant to address genuine and verifiable cases where families may have valid reasons for reconsideration of either the initial or revised placement,” he explained.
Requests for review must be initiated through a learner’s Junior School or the preferred Senior School and formally submitted by the head of institution via the placement portal, in line with established ministry protocols.
Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their assigned senior schools from January 12, 2026.
To guarantee uninterrupted learning from day one, the government has released a total of Sh44.245 billion in capitation for Term One of the 2026 academic year.
The funds have been distributed as follows:
Sh3.7 billion for Free Primary Education
Sh14.46 billion for Free Day Junior School Education
Sh26.08 billion for Free Day Secondary Education
Ogamba said the early release of funds is designed to ensure schools run seamlessly from the first day of term.
Addressing concerns around the financing of senior schools, the CS said fees payable by learners remain unchanged, as clarified in a circular issued by the Ministry on January 2, 2026.
The government will continue to provide capitation at a rate of Sh22,244 per learner per year.
Ogamba issued a stern warning to school heads and principals against misusing public funds or introducing illegal charges.
“School heads and principals are directed to ensure prudent use of these public resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of learners, and to desist from imposing any extra levies or fees,” he said.
He added that the Ministry will take firm action against any verified cases of misappropriation or illegal levies, stressing that all funds must be used strictly for learners’ benefit.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education, Ogamba cited Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education.
As the 2026 school calendar kicks off, the Ministry says its focus remains firmly on stability, access and accountability—key pillars it believes are critical to the success of the CBC and the broader education sector.
