Ksh.19B School Capitation Insufficient, Say KNUT and KUPPET.
Education stakeholders have criticized the government over delays in disbursing capitation funds owed to schools, highlighting the frustration faced by school administrators. While the Ministry of Education announced the release of Ksh.19 billion for capitation, secondary schools are yet to receive their allocated share.
The ministry attributed the delay to an ongoing financial crisis within the government, promising to release additional funds by the end of the week. However, stakeholders argue that the funds released so far are grossly inadequate to meet the demands of schools.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed disappointment over the insufficient funding, noting that critical needs like classroom construction and equipping Junior Secondary Schools remain neglected.
Kisumu KNUT Executive Secretary David Obuon remarked that the shortfall in funds could force school Boards of Management to divert money from one vote head to another, potentially creating confusion and disrupting the implementation of the competency-based curriculum (CBC).
He emphasized that the lack of adequate financial support could hinder the realization of the CBC’s objectives, leaving schools struggling to address essential needs.
Secondary Schools Face Looming Stalemate
Meanwhile, secondary schools are yet to receive any capitation funds, with school heads warning that crucial activities might grind to a halt. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos assured stakeholders that funds would be available by the end of the week.
He acknowledged the financial difficulties facing the government but confirmed that Ksh.14 billion would be disbursed in installments to enable schools to function.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) National Chairperson Willie Kuria expressed hope that the funds would be released soon.
He noted that unresolved debts from the previous year, amounting to a deficit of Ksh.7 billion, remain a major concern for schools. Kuria emphasized the need to settle these debts before schools can take on additional financial obligations.
Kisumu KUPPET Executive Secretary Zablon Awange highlighted the precarious situation faced by school principals, who are often forced to cover expenses from their own pockets. He explained that government allocations are not only insufficient but are also restricted in usage, leaving schools unable to meet critical needs.
Awange warned that the absence of Form One students, coupled with the delayed funds, would exacerbate the crisis in schools.
“With the way things are, and the absence of Form Ones, things are going to be very precarious,” Kisumu KUPPET Executive Secretary Zablon Awange said.
A Total of Ksh.48 Billion Needed for First Term
The government had committed to disbursing Ksh.48 billion for the first term of the academic calendar, with Ksh.28.9 billion earmarked for secondary schools and Ksh.4.1 billion for primary schools.
However, the delay in releasing these funds has created anxiety among school heads, who fear that essential programs, including the CBC rollout, may be compromised.
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The funding delays have also affected Grade 9 learners, with many schools lacking the necessary infrastructure and materials to support their education.
Education stakeholders warn that continued delays could jeopardize the implementation of the CBC and disrupt the learning process for thousands of students.
The Ministry of Education’s assurances have done little to alleviate concerns, as stakeholders call for urgent action to address the financial challenges facing schools.
Ksh.19B School Capitation Insufficient, Say KNUT and KUPPET.
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