KNUT Demands Release of Ksh 64 Billion Capitation Funds.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the government to disburse the accumulated Ksh 64 billion capitation funds to rescue the struggling education sector. The delayed funding has placed immense pressure on school administrators, making it difficult to effectively manage institutions.
During a press briefing on Monday, 3rd March, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu emphasized that the withholding of capitation funds has forced school heads into difficult situations. He pointed out that some administrators have resorted to sending students home before the official closing dates due to financial constraints.
Oyuu expressed concern over the situation, questioning why capitation continues to be delayed. He highlighted the challenge faced by school heads, stating that it is unrealistic to expect them to manage institutions using personal funds. He acknowledged that some administrators who take preemptive measures, such as sending students home early, do so to prevent potential unrest within schools.
The financial strain caused by the delay in capitation funds has been widely felt across primary and secondary schools in the country. The rising student enrollment has only worsened the situation, with many institutions struggling to operate due to insufficient funding. Some schools have even accumulated debts as a result.
Additionally, the delayed and reduced capitation disbursements have had far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of school operations. The unavailability of learning materials, inability to pay non-teaching staff, and lack of resources for student meals and co-curricular activities have further compounded the crisis.
Government’s Budgetary Constraints
These concerns arise shortly after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi clarified that the government would not release the Ksh 64 billion. He explained that once a financial year lapses, there is no budgetary provision to disburse the funds that were allocated but remained unpaid.
Speaking on Thursday, February 27, in an interview with Spice FM, Mbadi stated that the government operates on a cash-based budget.
He elaborated that any unutilized allocations do not carry over into the next financial year. He questioned the feasibility of making payments for unreleased funds, emphasizing that the government does not store money for future disbursement.
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Under the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme, each learner is entitled to an annual capitation of Ksh 1,420. For junior school students, the allocation stands at Ksh 15,042 per year.
Meanwhile, under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme, the government initially provided Ksh 22,244 per student annually, but this amount has now been reduced to approximately Ksh 15,000.
School heads across the country continue to call for the release of these funds to ensure the smooth operation of schools. The increasing financial struggles have made it crucial for the government to address the issue promptly. With schools facing operational difficulties, stakeholders are urging immediate intervention to prevent further disruption to the education system.
KNUT Demands Release of Ksh 64 Billion Capitation Funds.
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