Government Questioned Over Transparency in School Capitation Funds Delay
The government has been asked to explain the ongoing delays in the disbursement of capitation funds intended for free primary and secondary education.
Prior to the recent distribution of the second batch of Ksh 30.5 billion for capitation, loans, and scholarships, teachers and administrators warned that school activities were jeopardized due to an ongoing funding crisis.
Educationist Chris Galgallo stated on Wednesday that education stakeholders have been kept in the dark about capitation delays, making it difficult for school administrators and parents to plan for the forthcoming academic terms.
Dr. Galgallo stated on Citizen TV’s Daybreak program that in the education sector, advanced planning is critical to ensuring smooth operations when schools resume.
He questioned the delay in the process, which included parliamentary budget approval, Treasury, the Education Ministry, and eventually reaching the schools.
He went on to say, “They understand that schools cannot function without funds; therefore, early preparation is necessary. “There appears to be a delay somewhere, and they are not being open with us.”
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The government had promised to allocate Ksh22,244 per learner annually, to be paid in installments of 50% in the first term, 30% in the second term, and 20% in the third.
However, the government disbursed only half of the first-term allocation, less than a month before schools closed. Galgallo emphasized that disbursement delays undermine public schools’ regular administration every academic year, often forcing schools to levy fees on parents to cover operating costs.
He went on to say, “This issue keeps recurring, affecting various aspects such as food, facilities, infrastructure development, and teachers’ salaries.”
Several Members of Parliament have accused Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu of undermining the education sector by making unrealistic promises.
Machogu revealed last week that Ksh.7 billion of the Ksh.30.5 billion capitation will be distributed to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in public schools, with Ksh.16 billion set aside for the Free Day Secondary School education program as grants.
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Furthermore, the government will earmark Ksh.6.794 billion for university loans and distribute Ksh.3.98 billion for scholarships. Machogu promised that the funds would reach schools before the April break began this week.
Despite these declarations, there have been calls for a review of the 2017-established capitation, highlighting the need for an increase to reflect the rising rate of inflation.
Government Questioned Over Transparency in School Capitation Funds Delay
