Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo has urged the government to urgently increase the capitation funds allocated to secondary schools, arguing that the current amounts are no longer sufficient to meet rising operational costs in the education sector.

Speaking in Mathioya during a bursary cheque issuance event, Mugo said the capitation rate was last reviewed in 2015, yet the cost of living has drastically changed since then.

He stated that without a revision, many schools will continue to struggle with inadequate funding, which affects the quality of education offered to learners.

“This is an issue that deserves immediate attention. I will take it up in Parliament to push for a revision of the capitation so that our schools can access sufficient funding,” Mugo said on Thursday.

“With better financial support, institutions will be able to procure essential learning materials, thereby improving the quality of education.”

The MP also raised concerns over the prolonged delays in the disbursement of education funds by the National Treasury.

He said the late releases are causing financial strain in many institutions, with some now facing the threat of auction over unsettled debts.

“Despite the government’s stance that basic education is free, schools cannot operate without funds. When the Treasury delays releases, principals are left with no option but to send students home,” he said.

Mugo attributed the delays to a mismatch between budget allocations and actual revenue collection by the Kenya Revenue Authority. He warned that if funds remain unremitted by the end of the financial year, they are forfeited, worsening the cash shortage in schools.

“Education must remain a national priority. We are pushing for a more realistic and balanced budget that ensures every shilling is not only accounted for but also disbursed without delay,” he added.

Despite these challenges, the MP expressed confidence in the government's commitment to improving education, pointing out that the sector had received nearly Sh800 billion in the recently proposed national budget.

During the function, Mugo distributed bursaries worth Sh64 million to support students in day and boarding secondary schools, as well as those in tertiary institutions.

“All applicants in day schools have each received Sh5,000, totaling Sh15 million directed to support day scholars,” he announced.