More than 7,000 principals from across Kenya are calling for an increase in capitation from the current Sh17,500 to the previous Sh21,000 per student per year. They argue that the existing amount is insufficient given the current economic conditions and the demands of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). This call was made by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) national chairman, Willie Kuria, during a press briefing held on Monday. The briefing was in anticipation of the 49th KCB/KESSHA Annual National Conference, which is set to take place at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa County.
The five-day conference, scheduled from 22nd to 26th June 2026, aims to address several critical challenges facing secondary schools. These include education financing, digital transformation, mental wellness, accountability, and the crucial link between education, industry, and employment. Kuria emphasized that the forum is expected to generate practical recommendations to enhance the delivery of Competency Based Education (CBE). The theme for this year's conference is 'Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency Based Education,' and discussions will also focus on reviewing the progress of CBE implementation in secondary schools.
In his address, Kuria highlighted that many incidents of school unrest are often linked to the pressure of examinations. To mitigate this, he suggested that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) consider adjusting the candidate registration schedule to alleviate tension among students. Additionally, the association proposed that students who are unwilling to remain in boarding schools should be transferred to day schools. However, Kuria dismissed the idea of converting all boarding schools into day institutions, stating that such a move alone would not resolve the problem of unrest. "Changing boarding schools to day schools alone cannot end the unrest problem," he asserted.
The conference, sponsored by KCB Bank, will be officially opened on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service. The Cabinet Secretary for Basic Education is also expected to participate, underscoring the importance of the event in shaping the future of secondary education in Kenya. The discussions and outcomes of this conference are anticipated to have a significant impact on the education sector, particularly in enhancing the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum and addressing the financial challenges faced by schools.
