KUPPET Warns Against Government’s Plan to Write Off Sh64 Billion School Debt.
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Busia have strongly opposed the government’s proposal to write off a Sh64 billion debt owed to schools.
Moffat Okisai, the union’s branch General Secretary, stated that this move would severely affect the operations of schools nationwide, as the funds are essential for their daily functioning.
Speaking at an educational forum in Busia Town, Okisai expressed concerns that the government was attempting to absolve itself of its obligation to reimburse schools. He warned that proceeding with this decision would place schools under immense financial pressure, potentially disrupting the delivery of education.
He highlighted that such disruptions could impact various aspects, from staff salaries to the procurement of necessary teaching materials, further straining an already struggling education system.
Okisai emphasized that the government should not be allowed to evade its responsibility by canceling the Sh64 billion debt. He insisted that failure to disburse these funds would leave many schools without the financial resources required for day-to-day operations.
Stressing that this was not merely a financial issue but one concerning the future of students, he asserted that educational institutions would struggle to survive without the necessary funding.
Call for Government Accountability
The General Secretary reaffirmed KUPPET’s firm stance against any government action aimed at avoiding the repayment of the debt. He underscored the importance of the government fulfilling its financial commitments to the education sector, which relies heavily on these funds for sustainability. He urged authorities to ensure that schools receive adequate funding to cater to students’ needs.
He further expressed apprehension that failure to clear the debt would intensify challenges faced by schools, particularly those in rural and underprivileged areas, where resources are already scarce. Stressing that schools were already in a dire situation, he warned that withholding these funds would only exacerbate their struggles.
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Okisai called upon the Ministry of Education and the Treasury to take immediate action to settle the outstanding debt without further delay. Additionally, he urged education stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, to collectively demand that the government uphold its duty to support the education system.
The Sh64 billion debt has accumulated over time due to the government’s failure to make timely payments to schools for various operational and administrative costs. These overdue payments cover essential expenses such as staff salaries and school programs, making their clearance critical for the smooth functioning of educational institutions.
KUPPET Warns Against Government’s Plan to Write Off Sh64 Billion School Debt.
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