The Ministry of Education has issued clear co-curricular funding guidelines for 2026 to standardize how games, arts, science fairs and other activities are managed and financed across sub‑county, county, regional and national levels. The rules emphasize transparency, prohibit parent levies for government‑supported events, and set specific roles for directors and committees to ensure every learner can participate without undue cost.
Key Takeaways
- Government funds co-curricular activities — parents must not be charged for Ministry‑supported events.
- Co‑curricular activities are formally included in the CBC framework, now recognising Junior School as an independent segment in the calendar.
- New Co‑Curricular Activities Committees will operate at Sub‑County, County and Regional levels with defined membership and duties.
- Strict financial rules require transparency, budgeting from allocated funds only, and post‑event expenditure reports.
How the co-curricular funding guidelines work
The guidelines set a clear chain of planning, budgeting and delivery from the school level up to the national stage. Each administrative level — Sub‑County, County, Regional and National — has defined responsibilities for logistics, officials, security and reporting. The approach aims to reduce informal charges, stop pending bills from accumulating and make sure sponsorships and allocated vote heads are used properly.
Why these guidelines matter
Co‑curricular activities form a key part of the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC) by developing skills beyond academics: teamwork, creativity, physical fitness and scientific thinking. Formal funding removes barriers that previously excluded learners from poorer schools and helps schools plan reliably for events such as music and drama festivals, science and engineering fairs, and sports championships.
Committee structure and core roles
The Ministry requires Co‑Curricular Activities Committees at each level. Each committee is chaired by the relevant Education Director and includes representatives such as the TSC director (or rep), Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, school head associations, activity chairpersons, a Special Needs Education representative and a secretary education officer.
- Sub‑County: schools handle transport for teams, lunches and teacher allowances; the Sub‑County Director pays referees, secures venues and awards.
- County: County Directors oversee technical officials, first aid and venue readiness while Sub‑County Directors manage their teams’ transport and allowances.
- Regional: Regional Directors manage overall competition administration; County teams cover local transport and staffing costs.
- National: the Ministry headquarters covers major national costs (accommodation, meals, technical official allowances, security and national trophies) while the hosting RDE manages local logistics.
Financial rules and accountability
The directive sets out five financial principles: transparency, strict budgeting from allocated funds and approved sponsorships, a complete ban on parental levies for funded activities, autonomy for each level to manage its mandate, and strict accountability with required post‑event financial reports to funding authorities.
Funding streams and sustainability
The government has identified multiple vote heads and funds to sustain co‑curricular activities: a dedicated co‑curricular vote in the Ministry budget, activity vote heads within Free Primary Education (FPE) and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE), the Junior School capitation, and support from the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund plus strategic partners. Proper use of these streams should reduce event cancellations and ensure continuity.
Practical implications for schools and teachers
School leaders and teachers should start by updating local plans and budgets to align with the new guidelines. Committees must request and use only the funds officially allocated to their level, keep clear records, and submit timely reports after events. Teachers can also integrate co‑curricular objectives into daily teaching — for example by linking science fair projects to CBC learning outcomes and using sample learning materials and exams to prepare learners.
For teachers and coordinators preparing learners under the CBC, useful resources include curated exam practice and curriculum materials such as CBC practice exams, detailed CBC curriculum designs and ready‑to‑use CBC lesson plans to support both classroom learning and co‑curricular preparation.
Expected outcomes and how to measure success
When applied correctly, the guidelines should increase participation, reduce financial exclusion, and raise the quality of performances and competitions. Measure success by monitoring:
- Participation rates across schools and regions
- Number of events held on schedule without parent levies
- Budget compliance and timely submission of expenditure reports
- Performance improvements in regional and national competitions
Next steps for committees and schools
Committees should finalise annual budgets, seek approved sponsorships where needed, train finance officers on the new rules, and publicise the prohibition of parent levies to parents and boards. Schools should plan transport and staff allowances early and document all expenses for audit and reporting.
How will these standardized co‑curricular funding guidelines affect student participation and performance in your local school this year? Share plans with your Committee and use available CBC resources to prepare learners effectively.
