KEPSHA Warns of School Crisis Amidst Free Primary Education (FPE) Capitation Fund Delays
Johnson Nzioka, the chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), has expressed concerns over the delayed disbursement of Free Primary Education (FPE) capitation funds.
During a press briefing at the KEPSHA Secretariat for the launch of a memorandum of understanding with Kurasa Africa, he highlighted that the Ministry of Education has yet to release the promised funds to schools, despite previous assurances.
Nzioka emphasized that the government had assured schools that 30% of the required funds would be released on time in the second term. However, this has not been realized.
The previous term saw only a fraction of the necessary funds being released, and the government continues to accumulate debt.
Impact on School Operations
He reported that heads of institutions lack the funds needed to run schools effectively, which might soon lead to the suspension of school programs.
The government has not implemented the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) effectively, using it as an excuse for not disbursing funds.
Additionally, information entered into NEMIS is often erased, leaving school heads uncertain about maintaining accurate records.
In Junior Secondary Schools, only 50% of the capitation has been received. National Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva echoed these sentiments, stating that the delay would disrupt smooth operations, including co-curricular activities.
He stressed that no child should be deprived of capitation and that the government should support all students.
National Secretary Irene Yiaile acknowledged that despite financial challenges, head teachers have strived to ensure student participation in ongoing music festivals, which have now reached the regional level.
Additional Issues Highlighted by KEPSHA
KEPSHA also noted that schools have managed to recover lost time caused by recent floods.
However, there has been a delay in issuing birth certificates by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, a necessary requirement for registering pupils in NEMIS.
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The delay in fund release may also impact the transition of Junior Secondary School (JSS) students to Grade 9.
Schools are uncertain whether the construction of new classrooms will be funded through capitation or the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).
KEPSHA Warns of School Crisis Amidst Free Primary Education (FPE) Capitation Fund Delays
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