Ksh. 21.8 Billion Released For School Capitation As Countrywide Teachers’ Strike Looms
The Ministry of Education has released Ksh.21.8 billion to all public institutions ahead of the school reopening on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told reporters on Saturday that the release of the funds will allow for a smooth resumption of school activities in the new term.
He directed school principals to ensure that funds are used appropriately to benefit students, and he warned them against imposing any unauthorised fees.
“As a ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorised levies,” he stated.
Govt says it’s released school capitation funds ahead of Monday’s reopening of schools for the third term.
— MC Sakwa (@MCSakwa1) August 24, 2024
But we know that previously we’ve read such statements only for head teachers to go weeks before receiving the said money.
Let’s wait and see. pic.twitter.com/1M6JkEONJm
In terms of funding, free primary education received Ksh.1.6 billion, free day junior school education (Ksh.6.1 billion), and free day secondary education (Ksh.14.1 billion).
The funds’ release comes amid a looming nationwide teachers’ strike, which is scheduled for Monday when schools reopen for the third term.
Despite talks with the government, officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have insisted that the strike will continue and urged teachers to stay away from schools on Monday.
On the other hand, CS Ogamba has urged teachers to prioritize the students’ interests and end the strike before schools reopen.
“We are aware the unions and TSC are in negotiations, we are certain that both parties will come to an agreement before the schools reopen,” he said during a conference in Mombasa held this week.
“I don’t think we have much choice because this is an examination term. I don’t think anyone can joke about the exams of our children.”
Teachers’ grievances include the implementation of the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the promotion of teachers.
They also want the government to make teachers permanent and pensionable terms and employ additional teachers.
Ksh. 21.8 Billion Released For School Capitation As Countrywide Teachers’ Strike Looms
