The Ministry of Education has released revised guidelines for the management of co-curricular activities funds for the 2026 calendar year. These rules explain how funds will be allocated, who manages them at each level, and the duties of committees and education officers to ensure transparent and prudent use of resources.
Key Takeaways
- The government will fund co-curricular activities across Primary, Junior, Secondary, Special Needs and Teacher Training institutions.
- Sub-County, County and Regional Co-Curricular Committees are required for planning, budgeting and monitoring.
- Budgets must come only from allocated vote heads and sponsors; parents must not be asked to fund these activities.
- Each level (Sub-County, County, Region, National) has specific responsibilities for transport, allowances, administration and awards.
- All committees must prepare and submit reports on fund use; no pending bills should be carried forward.
Overview of the revised guidelines on management of co-curricular activities funds
The guidelines aim to support talent development under the Competency Based Curriculum and to promote holistic education through the Arts and Sports Science pathways. The Ministry now recognises the Junior School as an independent segment in the co-curricular calendar, although its activities will be managed by primary school committees for now. The Science and Engineering Fair will include Junior Schools for the first time and will be administered together with the senior schools fair.
Co-curricular activities funded and coordinated by the Ministry include primary, junior and secondary games and sports, special needs games and sports, music and drama festivals, the Science and Engineering Fair, East Africa regional events, and the East Africa essay competition for secondary schools.
For classroom and curriculum support related to the Competency Based Curriculum, teachers and schools can access curriculum designs and lesson resources such as CBC curriculum designs and CBC lesson plans.
Management structure and committee functions
To ensure accountability, the guidelines establish three management committees:
- Sub-County Co-Curricular Activities Committee
- County Co-Curricular Activities Committee
- Regional Co-Curricular Activities Committee
Each committee is chaired by the Education Director at that level and includes a TSC representative, the Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, representatives from KEPSHA, KESSHA, KPSA, Special Needs Education, and chairpersons of activity-specific committees. The secretary will be an Education Officer or Quality Assurance Officer appointed by the SCDE, CDE or RDE.
Their core functions are planning and programming, budgeting for funds released by the Ministry, coordination of activities, fundraising or partnerships, and monitoring co-curricular events.
Funding sources and budgeting rules
The government has committed to funding co-curricular activities. Expected sources of funds for 2026 include the co-curricular vote in the Ministry budget, activity vote heads in FPE and FDSE capitation, the Junior School capitation, and support from the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund and other partners.
- Budgets must be based only on funds allocated to each level and approved sponsors.
- Parents must not be asked to fund co-curricular activities at any level.
- Funds must cover all planned 2026 activities, including events in July and August.
- There must be prudent use of funds and no accrual of unpaid pending bills.
Responsibilities by administrative level
The guidelines list clear responsibilities for each level to avoid overlap and ensure smooth running of events.
Sub-County level
- Schools transport and provide lunch for their teams and pay allowances to accompanying officials.
- The Sub-County Director of Education pays referees, judges, adjudicators, committee officials and administrative costs as per approved budgets.
- Handles procurement of trophies, certificates and venue identification, and plans for security and health during activities.
County level
- Sub-County Directors transport and feed teams; they pay coaches, chaperons and team officials per budget.
- County Directors pay referees, judges, adjudicators, and cover field/hall preparations, security, awards, and first aid.
Regional level
- County Directors transport and feed county teams, pay allowances for team officials, and arrange accommodation.
- Regional Directors cover referees’ allowances, administrative costs (field prep, security, refreshments), awards and venue preparation.
National level
- Regional Directors transport regional teams to national venues and pay allowances and transit meals.
- The Ministry Headquarters funds accommodation, meals, referees’ allowances, refreshments, hall hire subsidies, badges, security, ambulance, and awards.
- When a region hosts nationals, the Host RDE must arrange accommodation, venues, hosting committee expenses, chairs, tents, security and first aid.
Accountability, reporting and implementation
All committees must be informed of funds allocated by MOE headquarters and be involved in planning and budgeting. Each level is expected to manage its activities without relying on lower levels. A report detailing how funds were used must be prepared and submitted to the funding authority. No pending bills should be carried forward.
Regional, County and Sub-County Directors of Education are instructed to implement the guidelines and cascade them to schools and committees. For Junior School teachers seeking subject-specific notes, consult the Junior School teaching notes to align activities with the Competency Based Curriculum.
Prof. Julius K. Bitok, CBS
Principal Secretary
