The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) recently claimed in its manifesto that the Kenyan government spends KSH 25,000 per pupil annually as a capitation grant, equivalent to about UGX 702,947. The party used the figure to contrast Uganda’s lower spending and argue that Kenya prioritizes education more effectively.
However, a check by Uganda Wired on the official website of the Parliament of Kenya shows that the figures quoted by the FDC are inaccurate. Kenya’s capitation grants vary by education level and are significantly lower than what the FDC claimed.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Education budget documents, each primary school learner receives KSH 1,420 (UGX 37,740) per year, junior secondary learners get KSH 15,043 (UGX 399,807), and secondary school learners receive KSH 22,244 (UGX 591,192).
The FDC’s blanket figure of KSH 25,000 per learner does not reflect the actual allocation structure or levels of education. Kenya’s funding model is tiered and guided by the cost of inputs such as textbooks, instructional materials, and infrastructure needs.
Verdict: Misleading.
The FDC overstated Kenya’s education capitation figures. While Kenya spends more per learner than Uganda in some categories, the figure cited in the manifesto exaggerates the actual spending levels.
