Principals Caught Between Politics, Pressure, and Pennies: The Harsh Reality of Managing Kenyan Schools

Principals Caught Between Politics, Pressure, and Pennies: The Harsh Reality of Managing Kenyan Schools.

School principals in Kenya are facing an increasingly difficult challenge as they navigate a complex landscape of political interference, financial constraints, and mounting pressure to deliver quality education.

With delayed funding, political meddling in appointments, and rising operational costs, principals are often left to balance the needs of their students and staff while grappling with the harsh realities of an underfunded education system. As they work tirelessly to ensure that schools continue to run smoothly, many principals are left questioning how long they can sustain the demanding roles they have been given.

As the second term progresses, many schools are still waiting for the government to release the second tranche of capitation. Willy Kuria, the national chair of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), reported low morale among principals, especially those in day schools, due to chronic underfunding.

Kuria disclosed that schools still have a pending balance of about Sh2,800 per student from the previous term. Some schools have failed to pay non-teaching staff, forcing administrators into deceitful practices to keep operations running.

“Suppliers no longer trust us. We sometimes instruct security guards to deny them entry. This is not the life we wanted; it’s a dishonest existence,” said Kuria.

The crisis reportedly worsened after the 2017 introduction of the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program. Previously, students paid Sh9,000 in day schools, while the government contributed Sh12,000 toward tuition. Under the FDSE, each student is supposed to receive Sh22,244 annually, but schools have been receiving approximately Sh17,000. According to Kessha, the government now owes schools Sh64 billion in unpaid funds.

With government disbursements delayed, many day schools—attended by nearly 70% of secondary learners—struggle the most. Kuria added that boarding schools manage slightly better by utilizing boarding fees paid by parents while waiting for capitation.

Choosing Between Essentials

Faced with limited resources, principals are often forced to make tough decisions on co-curricular activities. They must determine which ones to support and which to forgo, sometimes resulting in student unrest.

Kuria highlighted another critical challenge—political meddling in school appointments. He pointed out that decisions are frequently influenced by tribal and political affiliations rather than merit, and when principals resist such pressures, they face threats.

“Being a principal in this country is not easy. The political interference is intense. Leaders demand appointments not based on merit but on who you know or where you come from,” he said.

The situation is compounded by a severe shortage of teachers, worsened by the 100% transition policy that increases student numbers without corresponding staff increases. One principal noted the inconsistency in expectations and support.

“Parents expect top performance, yet there aren’t enough teachers. Some even try to bribe during exams or pressure us to bend rules. Some of us have given in—not because we want to, but because the system breeds this corruption,” the principal said.

Infrastructure Demands From Dwindling Funds

Adding to the financial strain, the Ministry of Education recently instructed schools to deduct Sh1,500 per student from capitation for infrastructure development. A principal in Eldoret lamented that this money was intended for essential supplies and utilities.

“I have 1,500 students—that’s Sh2.25 million taken from our tight budget. It’s nothing short of torture,” he said.

Meanwhile, many principals say that their qualifications and performance are routinely disregarded in favor of tribal politics. Identity often trumps competence. “You’re judged not on your performance, but on where you come from,” one principal said. “They tell you, ‘You’re not the son of this soil.’ It’s disheartening.”

Unrealistic comparisons between schools further increase pressure. Parents, concerned mainly with exam outcomes, ignore disparities in infrastructure and staffing levels. Some headteachers have even been publicly humiliated, frog-marched by angry parents following poor results.

In Nairobi, one principal revealed that his school had managed to reduce debt from Sh68 million to Sh30 million. Despite efforts, the debt remains a heavy burden. “Suppliers knock every week, and parents keep demanding. It’s crushing,” he said.

Running Schools on Hope

Principals describe their circumstances as unsustainable. Strained resources, increasing debts, and delayed capitation have left many feeling set up to fail.

“We’re expected to perform miracles with empty pockets and minimal staff. I am exhausted. We’re running schools on hope and prayers,” one principal confessed.

With more than 1,600 students under his care, another principal expressed despair over sending students home despite the government’s directive against it. “We are owed millions. I’m drowning in debt. A creditor threatened to take me to court. When I take this to the Board of Management, they ask, ‘Where is the money?’ I don’t have it,” he said.

Faced with these constraints, some principals have quietly introduced unofficial levies to stay afloat. Parents are sometimes asked to pay “motivation fees” to fund extra lessons outside official hours—an effort to meet academic expectations without adequate government funding.

Challenges in Primary and Junior Schools

The primary education sector is not spared. Fuad Ali, chair of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha), confirmed that primary and junior schools also await the second term capitation. He said a meeting with the Ministry of Education yielded a promise that funds would be released during the week.

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“We are currently operating on expectations and planning with hope. If funds come soon, the impact will be manageable. Otherwise, we will begin facing real challenges,” he stated.

Ali pointed out that discrepancies in the National Education Management Information System (Nemis) caused some schools to be underfunded in the first term. The Ministry has promised to correct and upgrade the system to ensure accurate disbursement moving forward.

Despite recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, the capitation for primary schools remains unchanged since 2003 at Sh1,420 per learner. Ali indicated ongoing discussions with the Ministry to revise the figure in line with current market demands.

Principals Caught Between Politics, Pressure, and Pennies: The Harsh Reality of Managing Kenyan Schools.

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