The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has come under scrutiny for inflating Kenya’s education capitation figures in its newly launched manifesto.
In its education policy proposals, the party claimed that the Kenyan government spends KSh 25,000 (approximately UGX 702,947) per pupil annually — a figure it used to contrast Uganda’s comparatively lower education spending and argue that Kenya prioritizes education more effectively.
A review of official records by ugandawired.com on the Parliament of Kenya website and budget documents from the Ministry of Education (Kenya) shows that the figure cited by FDC is not accurate.
Kenya’s capitation grants vary by education level:
- Primary school learners receive KSh 1,420 (approximately UGX 37,740) per year.
- Junior secondary learners receive KSh 15,043 (approximately UGX 399,807) per year.
- Secondary school learners receive KSh 22,244 (approximately UGX 591,192) per year.
The capitation structure is tiered, guided by factors such as instructional materials, textbooks, infrastructure, and administrative costs.
The FDC’s blanket figure of KSh 25,000 per learner does not accurately reflect Kenya’s funding structure.
Although Kenya allocates more per learner than Uganda in certain categories, the manifesto claim overstates the actual figures, potentially misleading the public and voters about Kenya’s education financing model.
The FDC overstated Kenya’s education capitation figures. Actual government allocations are lower than claimed and vary by education level.
Kenya indeed spends more per learner than Uganda in some tiers, but the KSh 25,000 figure is not supported by official data.
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