Head Teachers Sound Alarm on Capitation Fund Delays as Fee Payments Lag
Schools nationwide are sounding the alarm due to delays in the release of capitation funds, which arrived a month after the start of the second term. This financial shortfall is disrupting normal operations.
The situation is further exacerbated by late fee payments from parents.
Head teachers in junior secondary and primary schools report they are not only struggling with daily activities but also straining to address teacher shortages and meet the needs of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Impact on Primary and Junior Secondary Schools
Johnson Nzioka, Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association, highlighted the precarious situation in primary schools, which rely solely on government funding and are prohibited from charging additional fees.
He noted that junior secondary schools housed within primary schools face the same financial difficulties.
Nzioka expressed hope that the funds would be released before the midterm break, stating that an earlier disbursement would significantly stabilize school operations.
Secondary Schools Face Similar Challenges
Willy Kuria, Chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) and head of Murang’a High School, stated that day secondary schools are equally burdened as they depend entirely on capitation for funding.
He pointed out that boarding secondary schools face the dual challenge of delayed government funding and late fees from parents. Additionally, schools did not receive the full capitation amount for the first term.
According to KESSHA, the Ministry of Education released Sh8,319.68 per learner last term, falling short of the Sh11,000 allocated for the first term, which is half of the annual Sh22,244 capitation per learner.
This leaves a balance of Sh2,802.32 still owed. For the current term, schools expect Sh6,673.20, which is 30 percent of the total capitation.
Potential Resolution and Midterm Break Adjustments
Despite the challenges, Kuria reported that discussions with the Ministry of Education suggest that funds might be released this week.
He mentioned that some schools, which reopened on April 29 with Form Four students in class, are hopeful for a timely disbursement.
As schools prepare for the midterm break set for June 26, changes in the break dates from June 20-23, as announced in a May 24 circular, have further complicated matters.
The Ministry of Education stated that all boarding school learners are expected to return by June 30, 2024.
This shift may necessitate adjustments in planned activities and schedules, adding another layer of difficulty for some schools.
Measures Taken by Schools
In response to these financial strains, some schools have resorted to tactics to compel parents to fulfill their fee obligations.
One school head reported hiring new teachers via the Board of Management to cover staffing gaps in the junior secondary section.
Other schools have been notifying students with outstanding fees to stay home until payments are made.
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A message to parents read, “Dear parent, this is a reminder to meet at least 70 percent fees balance for the second term on or before 3/06/2024.”
Kuria emphasized that day schools and special needs schools are among the hardest hit by the delays, as these institutions largely rely on government funding.
Head Teachers Sound Alarm on Capitation Fund Delays as Fee Payments Lag
