MPs Restore Crucial Education Funding Amid Budget Cuts.
In a significant move, Members of the National Assembly have reinstated essential funding for key education sectors. This follows a severe proposed cut of Sh23.1 billion due to austerity measures. The Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, adjusted the total budget downward by Sh10.1 billion, reducing it from Sh156.4 billion to Sh146.3 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year.
However, critical areas such as free day secondary education, free primary education, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) have been spared from these cuts. In a report presented by Budget and Appropriations Committee member Peter Masara on Tuesday, these crucial sectors have maintained their funding.
The new budget allocation for Basic Education will increase by Sh14.3 billion, bringing the total to Sh131.2 billion. This is a stark contrast to the earlier proposed reduction of Sh14.93 billion. The increase includes Sh11.98 billion for free primary education and Sh2.4 billion for free day secondary education.
Additionally, the government has allocated Sh5 billion for administering national examinations and assessments for nearly 3.5 million learners in Grades Three, Six, and Form Four. This funding includes Sh1.9 billion for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Sh3.1 billion for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
The report highlights that the proposed reduction in recurrent expenditure comprises Sh10 billion from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for collective bargaining agreement (CBA) implementation, Sh5 billion from basic education for examination waivers, and Sh1.7 billion from sponsorships to students in private universities.
The TSC is set to receive an additional Sh29.5 billion for teacher resource management. Out of this, Sh17.6 billion will convert 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, while Sh11.9 billion will fund teachers’ medical cover.
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Public concern about the allocation for JSS has also been addressed. The committee has committed to enhancing the current allocation for hiring JSS intern teachers in the 2024/25 fiscal year, following requests from the public to safeguard this allocation as proposed by the TSC.
TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia emphasized the importance of adequate funding for teachers’ medical cover. Without it, teachers risk losing their group life, group personal accident, and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) covers. The third year of the teachers’ medical contract, starting December 1, will cost Sh20.6 billion.
Furthermore, the budget for Higher Education and Research will see an increment of Sh1.15 billion, bringing it to Sh120.4 billion. This follows public proposals to reinstate allocations for the State Department for Higher Education and Research to its 2024/25 levels, including a proposed Sh10 billion for the EduAfya program.
Read also:
- Kuppet Demands Reinstatement of Medical Insurance for Teachers
- Knut Denies Contract with TSC for Sh17.6 Billion Medical Scheme
- Kenyan Budget Cuts Jeopardize University Admissions for 153,292 Students
- Education Reforms Stalled by Funding Shortages in Kenya
Previously, the government planned to cut the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) budget by Sh710 million and reduce the Universities Fund (UF) for scholarships by Sh2.6 billion from the initial Sh19.6 billion. During a recent appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Education, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala warned that these cuts would prevent 153,292 learners from accessing government funding.
Dr. Inyangala highlighted that reduced government funding for students under HELB and UF has left many first-year students inadequately supported. In response, the committee proposed funding the school meals program to support ongoing initiatives that mitigate negative impacts on school attendance, nutrition, and economic stability.
In conclusion, the National Assembly’s decision to restore crucial education funding offers a ray of hope amid budget cuts. By preserving and enhancing funding for essential education sectors, the government aims to ensure continued access to quality education for all learners.
MPs Restore Crucial Education Funding Amid Budget Cuts.
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