KEPSHA Warns of Impending School Crisis Due to Delayed Free Primary Education (FPE) Capitation Funds.
Johnson Nzioka, the chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), recently raised alarm over the delayed disbursement of Free Primary Education (FPE) capitation funds. Speaking at a press briefing at the KEPSHA Secretariat during the launch of a memorandum of understanding with Kurasa Africa, he emphasized that the Ministry of Education has failed to release the promised funds to schools despite previous assurances.
Nzioka highlighted that the government had assured schools they would disburse 30% of the required funds on time for the second term. However, this promise remains unfulfilled. During the previous term, the government released only a fraction of the necessary funds, leading to growing debt.
Nzioka reported that school heads are struggling to run their institutions effectively due to a lack of funds. This financial strain may soon lead to the suspension of school programs. The government has not effectively implemented the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), using it as an excuse for the delay in fund disbursement. Additionally, data entered into NEMIS often gets erased, making it difficult for school heads to maintain accurate records.
In Junior Secondary Schools, only 50% of the capitation has been received. National Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva shared that this delay disrupts smooth operations, including co-curricular activities. He stressed that no child should be deprived of capitation and called for government support for all students.
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National Secretary Irene Yiaile acknowledged that despite financial challenges, head teachers have worked hard to ensure student participation in ongoing music festivals, which have now reached the regional level.
KEPSHA noted that schools have managed to recover lost time caused by recent floods. However, there is a significant delay in issuing birth certificates by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, which is essential for registering pupils in NEMIS.
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The delay in fund release may also impact the transition of Junior Secondary School (JSS) students to Grade 9. Schools remain uncertain whether they will fund the construction of new classrooms through capitation or the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).
KEPSHA urges the Ministry of Education to expedite the disbursement of the promised funds to avoid further disruption in school operations. The association calls on the government to address the challenges in implementing NEMIS and to ensure accurate record-keeping. Additionally, KEPSHA seeks clarification on the funding for the construction of new classrooms to support the smooth transition of JSS students to Grade 9.
The delayed disbursement of FPE capitation funds is causing significant challenges for schools in Kenya. Immediate action is necessary to prevent a crisis and ensure that schools can operate effectively and students can continue their education without interruptions. KEPSHA remains committed to advocating for the needs of schools and ensuring that the government fulfills its promises to support education in Kenya.
KEPSHA Warns of Impending School Crisis Due to Delayed Free Primary Education (FPE) Capitation Funds.
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