School heads across Kenya are calling on the government to urgently review capitation funds, citing an inability to meet the rising costs of education, sustain extracurricular activities, and settle debts.

The heads say rising cost of living, delayed funding, and stagnant capitation continue to pose significant challenges for schools.

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) chairman Willie Kuria painted the grim picture of the situation threatening smooth operations in institutions.

School heads feel the capitation set out 15 years ago is no longer viable due to inflation and the high cost of essential goods. "The funds we receive are insufficient to sustain basic operations," said Kuria.  The government allocates Sh22,244 per student annually, but only a fraction of this amount is disbursed after deductions.  "The amount we currently receive is less than what the government promised.