By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 2 January 2026 - Kenya's Ministry of Education has announced key updates as basic education institutions prepare to commence the 2026 Academic Year after the December holidays and New Year festivities.
In a press statement on Friday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the focus is on school re-opening for Term One, placements for Grade 10 in Senior School, and the disbursement of capitation funds.
All basic education schools are scheduled to re-open on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Ministry field officers, guided by Regional and County Directors of Education, will monitor compliance with the academic calendar during the re-opening process.
Regarding placements for Grade 10 of Senior School, the Ministry noted that the first revision was completed on 29 December 2025.
It said joining instructions for placed learners became available on the placement portal (www.placement.education.go.ke) from 30 December 2025.
Learners seeking changes will have an opportunity to apply for review between 6 January 2026 and 9 January 2026.
This will allow parents, guardians, and learners to submit legitimate and verifiable grounds for reconsideration of placements.
"Requests for further review may be initiated through the learner’s Junior School or at the Senior School of interes," CS Ogamba said.
He said such requests shall be submitted by heads of institutions through the placement portal, with processing following established Ministry protocols.
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This, he said, aims to ensure access to education, optimal resource use, and resolution of genuine placement issues.
On capitation, the Government has released KSh 44,245,066,500.85 for Term One, 2026, covering learners in public basic education institutions.
The allocation breaks down as KSh 3,703,074,646.10 for Free Primary Education, KSh 14,459,193,520.00 for Free Day Junior School Education, and KSh 26,082,798,334.75 for Free Day Secondary Education.
These funds will support smooth school operations from 5 January 2026, with Grade 10 learners due to report to Senior Schools from 12 January 2026.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment under Article 53 of the Constitution to provide free and compulsory basic education.
Ogamba also said that a circular issued on 2 January 2026, confirms that fees in senior schools remain unchanged, with capitation continuing at KSh 22,244 per learner annually.
He urged school heads and principals to use the funds prudently and avoid imposing extra levies or fees.
The Ministry warned it will act firmly against verified cases of misappropriation or unauthorised charges.
