KNUT Issues Strike Notice Over ‘Joking’ Government
Teachers have issued a fresh warning to the government on capitation delays, claiming that the government appears to be joking with the education sector.
While asking that the government adhere to the agreed-upon release of student capitation, instructors have stated that it is harming learning in schools.
“Government, stop joking with our children. Give them money so that learning can continue,” said Hesbon Otieno, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy Secretary General.
“Even the assessment fees that they had not included in the budget should be added,” Otieno added.
The union has argued that the administration has neglected to address the funding gaps that have hampered learning in public schools.
The school capitation is distributed as follows: 50% in the first term, 30% in the second term, and 20% in the third term to pay the student’s annual allocation of Ksh22,244 per learner.
KNUT demands 60% salary increment in the new CBA, prompt release of school capitation, and government to provide teachers security in Kerio Valley pic.twitter.com/H2Q5UkI0ts
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This money is only for tuition charges, excluding meals and other necessary operational expenses.
By May, schools were still waiting for Ksh2,300 per student for the first term, despite guarantees that 50% of the annual capitation would be distributed at the start of the year.
Furthermore, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) stated that just Ksh4,000 per student had been released, significantly less than the needed Ksh8,000 for the term.
Schools expected 50% for this term, equivalent to Ksh28 billion, but only Ksh14 billion had been made available.
“Capitation is trickling in little by little,” asserted Joseph Langat, KNUT Deputy Chairman.
In response to rising criticism, the government stated in May that Ksh22 billion in capitation money will be released for Term 2.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba noted that this provision would benefit students in all public basic education institutions.
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Specific sums have been set aside for Free Primary Education, Free Day Junior School Education, Special Needs Education in Junior Schools, and Free Day Secondary Education.
However, school administrators have raised worry that funding are still insufficient and that delays have already created considerable disruptions.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) has warned that if finances are not released swiftly, schools may be compelled to send students home.
The teachers have not issued any strike threats, but they are now holding their ground in new contract negotiations. KNUT demands a 60% wage increase and a 30% increase in allowances.
KNUT Issues Strike Notice Over ‘Joking’ Government
