Schools Reopen Amid Shortage of Classrooms, Teachers, and Funds.
Millions of students in primary, junior, and secondary schools resume learning today, even as Kenya’s education sector continues to grapple with longstanding issues.
Key concerns include the delayed disbursement of the 50% annual capitation funds, the lack of classrooms for Grade 9 learners in some institutions, and the unavailability of textbooks in certain schools.
Bookshops across the country have also been unable to meet parents’ demands for learning materials.
Impact of Boarding Facilities’ Closure
The closure of boarding facilities in 348 schools, which failed to meet safety standards, has further complicated matters for parents.
The government has instructed the transfer of learners from these institutions, leaving families to navigate the upheaval.
Parents have also been directed to enroll their children in the Taifa Care medical insurance scheme, following the replacement of EduAfya by the Social Health Insurance Fund. However, previous efforts to implement the healthcare plan faced significant hurdles.
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Delayed Capitation Funding
The Education Ministry confirmed that schools are yet to receive their capitation funds, causing concern among school heads as students return.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba assured the public of the government’s commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education.
He stated that Sh48.38 billion—representing 50% of the annual capitation—would be disbursed to schools.
While no specific date was provided, Mr. Ogamba mentioned that the ministry was working with the National Treasury to ensure timely disbursement.
Earlier, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang had reassured school administrators that funds would be released promptly to prevent disruptions.
The funds are allocated as follows: Sh4.12 billion for Free Primary Education, Sh15.32 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, and Sh28.92 billion for Free Day Secondary School Education.
The remaining capitation will be disbursed in two installments: 30% in Term Two and 20% in Term Three.
Grade 9 Infrastructure Shortfalls
Mr. Ogamba acknowledged challenges in accommodating the pioneer Grade 9 cohort under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The government initiated the construction of 16,000 classrooms, with 93% completed so far. For the unfinished projects, temporary measures such as using alternative spaces and merging streams will be employed to ensure all learners are accommodated.
These alternative arrangements may include makeshift structures or outdoor learning areas, which could leave some Grade 9 learners studying under trees.
Teacher Shortages Persist
Junior secondary schools continue to face a shortage of teachers, a problem evident since their rollout in 2023. This year, schools will host three grades—7, 8, and 9.
To address this, the Teachers Service Commission has hired 20,000 teachers on contract and retained 56,928 on permanent terms.
Teachers qualified for junior secondary but currently deployed in primary schools will be gradually reassigned to meet staffing needs.
Mr. Ogamba emphasized the importance of adhering to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya. Field officers will regularly inspect institutions to ensure compliance with safety and security requirements.
Textbook Distribution
The distribution of Grade 9 textbooks remains a challenge. Although the government has dispatched over 9.9 million textbooks through publishers contracted by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the process is yet to be finalized in some schools.
Read Also: KPSEA Results Out Today on Monday, Says Ogamba
Term Schedule and Fee Guidelines
The ministry announced that Term One of 2025 will span 13 weeks, including a five-day mid-term break, with schools reopening on January 6, 2025.
National Parents Association Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa urged school administrators to adhere to government fee guidelines and avoid imposing extra levies without consulting parents.
He highlighted the economic struggles families face and called for patience as capitation funds are awaited to keep students in school.
Schools Reopen Amid Shortage of Classrooms, Teachers, and Funds
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