‘Why Must Capitation Drag?’ – Gov’t Asked Over Ksh64 Billion Funds Delay
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has sought the release of Ksh 64 billion in hoarded capitation monies to help the already suffering education system.
Addressing the press on Monday, March 3rd, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu emphasized that the delay in these monies has greatly hampered institutional heads’ ability to successfully run and manage schools.
Oyuu added that a lack of capitation funding is the key reason why some institution heads choose to send students home before the official closing dates.
“Why must capitation drag? How do you expect heads of institutions to manage schools, because you cannot use your own money to go and manage schools?” he posed.
“At times when we hear heads of institutions and principals getting learners to go home early or for some time, we know the reasons.”
“It is dangerous to keep learners in schools without capitation. And for those heads who are wise enough to avoid strikes in schools, I think they are doing their best,” he added.
The country’s elementary and secondary school principals have been calling for the return of unpaid capitation monies.
This occurs as financial funding for schools continues to drop despite an increase in enrollment. This circumstance has put some schools in debt.
School Capitation Crisis:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 28, 2025
Crisis in schools as govt delays disbursement of funds
KNUT, KUPPET upset with slow disbursement of funds
Awange: Principals digging deeper into their pockets
Only Ksh 19B out of the Ksh 48B has been released #CitizenExplainer @SamGituku pic.twitter.com/uX2vHxnZZz
Furthermore, the delayed and reduced disbursement of capitation has impacted the availability of learning materials, non-teaching staff compensation, and the provision of meals and co-curricular activities at these institutions.
Oyuu’s comments come just days after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the government would not pay the Ksh 64 billion.
Mbadi highlighted that there is no provision in the budget to disburse allocated but unreleased cash after the fiscal year ends.
Mbadi stated in an interview on Thursday, February 27, that the government runs on a cash-based budget, which means that unused funds do not roll over.
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“It was budgeted for, but our budget is cash-based. If a financial year has ended and you didn’t pay it, there’s no money to pay later!” Mbadi said.
“We don’t keep money somewhere. Who do we pay that money to if the capitation was not released?” he added.
The official capitation per learner under the Free Primary Education (FPE) initiative is Ksh 1,420 per year, while junior school learners receive Ksh 15,042 per year.
The Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) plan offers Ksh 22,244 per student per year, which has been decreased to around Ksh 15,000.
‘Why Must Capitation Drag?’ – Gov’t Asked Over Ksh64 Billion Funds Delay
