Government Releases Ksh21.8B School Capitation Funds Amid Uncertain Teacher Strike
The government has allocated Ksh21.8 billion in capitation grants to public basic education institutions just before the new academic term starts on August 26, 2024.
This critical step, praised by education experts, provides much-needed relief to schools that were on the brink of financial collapse due to delayed funding.
The timing of this release is crucial as the education sector remains uncertain about whether teachers will strike come Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos confirmed the funds’ release, underscoring that this allocation aims to ensure a smooth start to the new school year.
The distribution of funds includes Ksh1.62 billion for Free Primary Education, Ksh6.1 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh14.1 billion for Free Day Secondary Education.
Migos emphasized the importance of these funds in fulfilling the government’s constitutional duty to provide free and compulsory basic education, as stipulated in Article 53(1)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution.
“The prompt release of these funds highlights our dedication to ensuring every child has access to quality education,” Migos stated.
However, this announcement comes on the heels of significant anxiety within the education sector.
Just last month, the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) raised alarms about the government’s delay in releasing essential capitation funds.
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KEPSHA Chairman Johnson Nzioka warned of severe financial difficulties schools were experiencing, noting the situation was nearing a crisis.
Nzioka’s concerns were supported by KEPSHA’s National Treasurer, Kennedy Kyeva, who highlighted how funding delays were disrupting crucial school operations, including extracurricular activities.
Nzioka also revealed that the government had only released a portion of the funds owed from the previous term, leaving schools with considerable unpaid debts.
“The Ministry of Education had promised that 30 percent of the capitation would be released on time for the second term, but this was not fulfilled,” Nzioka said.
He also criticized the government’s management of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), alleging it was being used as a pretext for delayed disbursements.
According to Nzioka, the frequent erasure of information from NEMIS has caused further confusion and complications in maintaining accurate records.
The partial release of funds for Junior Secondary Schools has also been contentious, with only 50 percent of the required funds provided.
This shortfall has left many schools struggling with operational needs, raising concerns about potential chaos as the new term begins without adequate financial support.
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As schools get ready to reopen, Migos has warned school heads and principals to use the funds responsibly, emphasizing that any misuse will be met with severe consequences.
He also reiterated that the Ministry would not permit unauthorized fees on parents, a growing issue as schools face funding challenges.
“The funds are intended to benefit the students, and any misuse will be dealt with decisively,” Migos asserted.
Despite the recent fund release, KEPSHA’s concerns highlight a deeper issue with the management of education financing in Kenya.
The delays in disbursements underscore the fragility of the current funding model and cast doubt on the sustainability of the government’s commitment to free education.
For now, the Ksh21.8 billion capitation grant provides temporary relief for schools and parents.
Nonetheless, the persistent issues of funding delays and system inefficiencies remain significant challenges that the Ministry of Education must address to prevent future crises.
Government Releases Ksh21.8B School Capitation Funds Amid Uncertain Teacher Strike
