Kenyan Schools Set For A Grand Halt As Gov’t Witholds Capitation Funds
Schools across the country are teetering due to the delayed release of vital capitation funds for free primary education.
This delay, which is now a month into the second term, has significantly disrupted the smooth operation of the school, alarming both educators and parents.
The government’s yearly allocation of Ksh1,420 per primary school pupil has yet to arrive in many schools, exacerbating financial strain as parents deal with late fee payments.
This financial bottleneck has made it difficult for head teachers in primary and junior secondary schools to manage day-to-day activities, supplement teaching staff, and meet the Competency-Based Curriculum requirements.
Johnson Nzioka, chairperson of the Primary School Heads Association, expressed frustration at the government’s unfulfilled promises.
“What was released was not timely, and it was only a portion of what we are due. We urgently need the Ministry to facilitate the disbursement of these funds to keep our schools operational,” Nzioka stated.
The Free Primary Education (FPE) Capitation Funding Model uses a phased disbursement approach, allocating half of the funds in the first term, 30% in the second term, and the remaining 20% in the third term.
Parents from Lari constituency call on the government to disburse school capitation funds. pic.twitter.com/l9joiqlK82
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) July 11, 2024
Despite this structured system, ongoing delays have disrupted school operations.
These funds are critical for purchasing textbooks and other educational materials required to improve the quality of learning. They also cover minor repairs, administrative fees, and examination expenses.
Schools are struggling to maintain these critical functions as a result of the disruption in timely funding, particularly in light of flood damage to school infrastructure.
KEPSHA National Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva raised additional concerns about the system, noting that some schools have been excluded due to errors in the National Education Management Information System(NEMIS).
“Capitation never reached these schools because they were reportedly missing from their NEMIS records,” Kyeva said.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also criticized the government’s response to the situation.
National Secretary General Collins Oyuu lamented the impact on school administrators and urged immediate action.
“Our school heads and primary school management are struggling. The late disbursement has not benefitted them as intended,” Oyuu stated.
In March, the government released Ksh7 billion to support junior secondary schools, and Ksh16 billion to fund the free day secondary school education programme.
However, this has done little to help primary schools deal with their current crisis.
Educators are urging the government to resolve the impasse quickly to avoid further disruption.
The current situation jeopardizes millions of children’s education while also undermining the government’s commitment to free primary education.
Kenyan Schools Set For A Grand Halt As Gov’t Witholds Capitation Funds
