Secondary Schools Face Early Closure Over Unreleased Capitation Funds

Secondary Schools Face Early Closure Over Unreleased Capitation Funds.

Secondary schools in Kenya may be forced to shut down earlier than scheduled due to the government’s failure to release the full amount of capitation funds for the year.

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) has raised concerns, indicating that schools are unable to secure essential supplies for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, as well as end-of-year assessments for other classes.

Out of the anticipated Sh22,244 per learner under the Free Day Secondary Education program, the government has only provided Sh15,192 and instructed schools to allocate Sh3,850 towards infrastructure.

This leaves a mere Sh11,342 per learner to cover tuition and operational costs. Over the years, capitation has decreased even as student enrollment in public schools has surged.

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Willy Kuria, KESSHA chair, warned that schools are facing a dire financial situation. He emphasized that without the remaining capitation, schools would not be able to complete the term.

Kuria also expressed concern over staff going without salaries, noting that the debt burden in schools has escalated alarmingly.

Early School Closures Looming

KESSHA has also cautioned that schools might be forced to close before the official closing date of October 25, 2024, if the government does not release the full amount of capitation.

Some schools have already scheduled early closures to manage the financial strain. For example, a principal in Maralal Town announced that his school would close on October 18, 2024, except for KCSE candidates, citing insufficient funds to maintain operations for the rest of the students.

Kuria warned that if the remaining funds are not disbursed, school-employed staff would go on long holidays without receiving their salaries.

He highlighted that the current capitation of Sh15,192 is far from adequate, considering it accounts for only half of the Sh22,224 allocated for tuition and operational needs.

Infrastructure Funding Issues

KESSHA insists that the infrastructure fund should not be taken from the capitation but should instead be sourced from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Ministry of Education’s transition infrastructure grant.

According to KESSHA, the capitation is strictly intended for tuition and operational expenses.

Kuria urged the treasury to release the remaining Sh6,000 per learner to enable schools to acquire necessary materials for the upcoming KCSE and end-of-year examinations. The capitation typically covers a wide range of expenses, including:

• Stationery (exercise books, lab equipment, and chemicals)
• Co-curricular activities
• Salaries for Board of Management (BOM) teachers and non-teaching staff
• Utility bills (electricity, water)
• Local transport and travel
• Administrative costs

Mounting Debt Crisis

KESSHA reiterated that the debt burden on schools is becoming unmanageable. Some institutions have been sued by suppliers over unpaid debts, while others struggle to find suppliers willing to extend credit.

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The financial instability has left many schools unable to function effectively.

Secondary Schools Face Early Closure Over Unreleased Capitation Funds

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