Kajiado East MP Kakuta Ole Maimai (in black suit) joins teachers, parents and students in a jig during the commissioning of a dining hall at Magereza mixed secondary school in Kitengela, Kajiado county, on July 30, 2025.Kajiado East MP Kakuta Ole Maimai has urged the government to disburse capitation grants to schools promptly.
Maimai emphasised the critical role of capitation funds in running schools across the country, warning that failure to disburse the necessary resources for basic operations undermines the education of Kenyan students.
“There are many schools across the country that haven’t received capitation funds. Some receive the money, but it’s not enough. We’ve also seen debates over the current budget—whether capitation has been reduced or increased,” he said.
Maimai made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of a dormitory at Magereza Mixed Secondary School in Kitengela, Kajiado County.
He noted that after discussing the issue with fellow legislators, there appears to be no formal reduction in the capitation fund, despite public concern.
Kenya’s education sector is currently grappling with a major funding crisis, particularly in relation to capitation grants.
According to the Auditor General’s report, the sector faces a Sh117 billion underfunding gap over the past four financial years.
Secondary schools have been hit hardest, missing out on Sh71 billion, followed by junior secondary with Sh31 billion, and primary schools with Sh14 billion.
Although the government had initially allocated Sh22,400 per child for secondary education, this amount has been deemed unsustainable. The grant has since been slashed to Sh16,900 per student.
Delayed disbursement of capitation funds by the Ministry of Education has left many schools struggling to stay afloat.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) reports that schools are under severe financial strain, with some principals contemplating resignation due to the pressure.
“I urge the Ministry of Education to step up and ensure secondary school students receive their capitation funds on time. This money is essential for keeping schools running. When it’s not provided, learning suffers,” Maimai said.
“As the area MP, I’ve visited many schools in my constituency. Teachers have reached out saying they’re struggling—either they haven’t received the money or only receive it in bits. I call on the government to release capitation funds in full and on time so our students can remain in school and the institutions can run efficiently,” he added.
Maimai stressed that education is the greatest investment the country can offer its people.
He also highlighted the importance of the newly built dining hall at Magereza Mixed Secondary School, constructed through the National Government Constituency Development Fund.
The school is among the most populated public secondary institutions in his constituency, with over 1,700 students.
“It’s a mixed school that accommodates learners from diverse backgrounds, with Kitengela being a cosmopolitan town. This day and boarding school serves students from across the country,” Maimai said.
Turning to national matters, Maimai welcomed the transfer of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County by President William Ruto’s administration, calling it a historic step for the Maa community.
“I’m happy and thankful to our President for fulfilling his promise to transfer Amboseli back to Kajiado County. Our people are equally happy and grateful. This corrects a long-standing historical injustice,” he said.
The Cabinet recently approved the park's transfer in a landmark decision aimed at promoting community-led conservation.
The handover will be conducted under Article 187 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and will introduce a phased co-management model.
Kajiado County will take over day-to-day operations, while the Kenya Wildlife Service will continue overseeing national conservation policies and strategies.
“As leaders, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and do everything possible to ensure Amboseli remains a premier destination for tourism and wildlife conservation. We are committed to providing the management it needs,” Maimai affirmed.
