Why Ndindi Nyoro is Mobilizing Parents for a 2026 Showdown
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has ignited a firestorm in the education sector, issuing a 30-day ultimatum to the government over the “insufficient” release of school capitation funds. Speaking on January 6, 2026, the influential lawmaker—who previously chaired the Budget and Appropriations Committee—slammed the Ministry of Education for what he described as a “deceptive” disbursement of funds that leaves schools struggling to survive.
While the government recently announced the release of KSh 44.2 billion for Term One, Nyoro has countered that these figures are misleading when applied to the reality on the ground. According to the lawmaker, many schools have received as little as KSh 109 per student after the Ministry deducted old debts and arrears. Nyoro argued that running a school on such a pittance is “mathematically impossible” and compromises the constitutional right to free basic education for millions of Kenyan children.
Nyoro’s warning was clear: if the government does not fully disburse the required funds by mid-term, he will mobilize parents across the country to take to the streets. “Parents cannot continue to stare silently as the government undermines learners’ rights,” Nyoro stated. He emphasized that the current funding model is pushing schools deeper into debt, forcing principals to either compromise on quality or risk being shut down by suppliers.
2026 Capitation Breakdown: What the Govt Claims
| Category | Amount Released (Govt Data) | Allocation Purpose |
| Free Day Secondary Education | KSh 26.08 Billion | High School Operations |
| Free Day Junior School (JSS) | KSh 14.46 Billion | Grade 7, 8, and 9 |
| Free Primary Education (FPE) | KSh 3.7 Billion | Primary School Support |
| Total Disbursed | KSh 44.2 Billion | Term One 2026 Cycle |
In a statement issued on January 2, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba maintained that the government remains committed to its duties under Article 53 of the Constitution. The CS reaffirmed that the capitation for senior schools remains at KSh 22,244 per learner annually and warned school heads against imposing unauthorized fees. As Grade 10 learners (the first Senior School CBC cohort) prepare to report on January 12, the Ministry is under immense pressure to prove that the funds are actually hitting school accounts.
The standoff highlights a growing rift within the government’s own ranks, with Nyoro vowing to keep parents informed and “hold the authorities accountable” for every cent meant for the classroom.