The Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association highlights major funding gaps between primary and junior schools amid the 2026 senior school transition.
As Kenya gears up for the 2026 senior school rollout, education leaders are warning of major funding disparities across the basic education system. The Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (Kepsha) Treasurer, Kennedy Kyeva, noted that while Junior School learners receive KSh 15,000 per year in government capitation, primary pupils get only KSh 1,400.
The revelation came during discussions on the new senior school fee framework being developed by the Ministry of Education. The framework aims to ensure affordability for Grade 10 to 12 learners while maintaining education quality.
Director of Secondary Education, Dr. William Sugut, said the government is keen to create an equitable and accessible structure aligned with the three senior school pathways—STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports.
Experts warn that unless funding gaps are addressed, quality disparities could widen between learning levels. The ministry’s review is expected to balance cost, fairness, and access as Kenya transitions to a modern competency-based education system.
