Crisis in Schools as KNUT and KUPPET Decry Ksh.19B Capitation Funds as Insufficient.
The ongoing crisis in schools has intensified as education unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), criticized the government for the delayed disbursement of crucial capitation funds. School heads have expressed frustration over the financial uncertainty, which is now threatening the smooth operation of schools across the country.
In response, the Ministry of Education announced the release of Ksh.19 billion in capitation funds. However, secondary schools are yet to receive their share of these funds, which has left many in a financial bind. According to KNUT, this sum is far from sufficient to meet the pressing needs of the education sector. The union highlighted that critical areas, such as infrastructure development for Junior Secondary Schools, remain unaddressed despite the government’s disbursement.
David Obuon, the KNUT Executive Secretary for Kisumu, explained that the insufficient funds are putting schools in a difficult position. According to Obuon, without adequate resources, school boards have to transfer funds from one budget item to another, creating confusion and delays. “If the suppliers insist on payment, the Board of Management may have no choice but to reallocate funds, which could derail the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum,” he stated.
Follow us on X: Education Point Kenya.
On the other hand, secondary schools are yet to receive their share of the capitation, which has further exacerbated the crisis. School heads are now warning that essential activities may grind to a halt unless the funds are released promptly.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos assured schools that the government would disburse the funds by the end of the week. “Due to the financial challenges the government faces, we will release the disbursement in installments. However, we remain committed to ensuring schools receive the funds needed to continue their operations,” Migos said. He also added that the government would release Ksh.14 billion to the schools by the end of the week.
Willie Kuria, the National Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), expressed hope that the situation would improve soon. However, he noted that there is a substantial deficit from the previous year, which has resulted in existing debts. “We are waiting to clear these debts before we take on any new ones,” Kuria said.
Read also:
- Government to Address Hardship Allowance Disparities for Teachers, Says CS Ogamba
- TSC Sub-County Directors Petition for Improved Working Conditions
- KMTC and UNHCR Announce Scholarships for Community Health Nursing in Turkana
Meanwhile, Zablon Awange, the Executive Secretary of KUPPET Kisumu, voiced concern about the financial strain on principals. He pointed out that the funds provided by the government are insufficient, and the rigid guidelines on how to use them make it even harder to meet the schools’ needs. “With the absence of Form One students and the ongoing financial constraints, we are heading into a very precarious situation,” Awange said.
Originally, the government was expected to release Ksh.48 billion for the first term of the academic year, with Ksh.28.9 billion allocated for secondary schools and Ksh.4.1 billion for other areas. However, the delays in the release of these funds have left school heads scrambling to cover their operational costs, raising fears about the potential disruption to the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Stakeholders have warned that if the capitation funds are not disbursed on time, the education sector could face severe setbacks. Without proper infrastructure and resources, some Grade 9 students may find themselves unable to progress with their studies, further exacerbating the challenges facing Kenya’s education system.
Key Takeaways:
- Education unions, including KNUT and KUPPET, have criticized the government’s delay in releasing capitation funds, which has caused financial distress in schools.
- Secondary schools are yet to receive their share, with school heads warning that critical activities may be disrupted.
- The government has promised to release Ksh.14 billion by the end of the week, but the financial strain on schools remains a significant concern.
- The delay in disbursement may affect the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, particularly in junior secondary schools.
Crisis in Schools as KNUT and KUPPET Decry Ksh.19B Capitation Funds as Insufficient.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram