The Ministry of Education has issued a circular updating schools and parents on the start of the Academic Year 2026: all basic education institutions reopen on 5 January 2026, Grade 10 placement reviews will be accepted between 6–9 January 2026, and the Government has released Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 in capitation for Term One. This article explains the Grade 10 placement process, the capitation disbursement, and what school leaders, parents and learners should do next.
Key Takeaways
- School reopening: All basic education schools reopen on 5 January 2026.
- Grade 10 placement window: Placement review requests accepted from 6 to 9 January 2026.
- Capitation released: Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 allocated for Term 1 across primary, junior and secondary levels.
- No extra levies: Heads must use funds prudently and must not impose additional fees.
- Grade 10 reporting: Placed Grade 10 learners report to senior schools from 12 January 2026.
Grade 10 placement: what parents and schools must know
Grade 10 placement refers to the allocation of learners to senior schools following primary and junior school assessments. The Ministry completed the first revision of placements on 29 December 2025 and made joining instructions available from 30 December 2025. Parents and learners who are not satisfied with a placement can apply for a review during the designated review window.
To request a review, the Head of the learner’s junior school or the Head of the senior school of interest must submit the request through the placement portal within the review period (6–9 January 2026). Requests should include legitimate and verifiable grounds for reconsideration; schools will process these requests in line with Ministry protocols.
Re-opening dates and expectations
All basic education institutions are expected to re-open on Monday, 5 January 2026. Regional and County Directors of Education will deploy field officers to monitor compliance with the academic calendar and ensure a smooth start to the term.
Grade 10 learners who have been placed should prepare to report to senior schools starting 12 January 2026. Schools should communicate joining instructions clearly and support learners with orientation and placement logistics.
Capitation disbursement for Term One, 2026
The Government has released Ksh 44,245,066,500.85 as capitation for Term One across public basic education institutions. The money is intended to support day-to-day school operations and ensure learners access free and compulsory basic education as guaranteed under Article 53 of the Constitution.
- Free Primary Education: Ksh 3,703,074,646.10
- Free Day Junior School Education: Ksh 14,459,193,520.00
- Free Day Secondary Education: Ksh 26,082,798,334.75
- Total: Ksh 44,245,066,500.85
How schools should use the funds
School heads and principals are directed to ensure prudent use of capitation funds for the benefit of learners. This includes allocating resources to essential items such as teaching and learning materials, sanitation, utilities and learner support. The Ministry has warned that it will take firm action against any verified misappropriation or the imposition of extra levies.
Practical steps for principals:
- Prepare an itemised expenditure plan that aligns with capitation guidelines.
- Share the plan with the school management committee and parents’ representatives to promote transparency.
- Keep clear records and receipts for all capitation spending.
- Prioritise learning materials and services that directly benefit learners.
How to request a placement review and what to include
Placement review requests must be submitted by the learner’s Head of Institution via the placement portal during the review window. The request should:
- State clear and verifiable grounds for reconsideration (medical, pastoral, or factual errors in the original placement).
- Include supporting documents where applicable (medical certificates, change of residence documents, or other official evidence).
- Be endorsed by the Head of the sending or receiving school as required by Ministry protocols.
Parents should contact their child’s junior school or the preferred senior school immediately to begin the review process within the 6–9 January window.
Where to find useful curriculum and exam resources
To help learners and teachers prepare for senior school transition and term activities, consult available curriculum and exam resources such as the Grade 10 curriculum designs and national CBC resources. Teachers and learners can also use past papers and revision exams to sharpen skills before classes resume, for example CBC exams and resources and KCSE revision exams.
Final reminders
Ensure learners report on the instructed dates, follow the placement review steps if needed, and expect oversight from education officers as the term starts. School leaders must prioritise transparency and proper use of capitation funds to protect learners’ rights and maintain trust in public education financing.
