Capitation Funds Delay Sparks Financial Concerns as Secondary Schools Welcome 1.4 Million New Learners
Amidst the excitement of 1.4 million students entering Form One, secondary schools in Kenya are teetering on the edge of financial crises.
The Competency-Based Curriculum is also ushering in 1.2 million learners to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). However, a week into the reopening, schools are grappling with the absence of capitation funds.
Reports from principals, despite ministry assurances, reveal that the funds are yet to reach schools as of Friday. Last Monday, PS Bellio Kipsang sought to allay fears, stating the funds have been released.
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Kipsang during the KCSE results release at Moi Girls School, Eldoret revealed that due to system processes, the funds will be in the accounts by Wednesday or Friday at the latest.
The Ministry, earlier in January, earmarked Sh31 billion for capitation to schools.
The breakdown includes Sh4.74 billion for Free Primary Education, Sh7.60 billion for JSS capitation in term one, Sh2.80 billion for examination and invigilation fees, and Sh16.20 billion for Free Day Secondary School.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association leadership proved futile.
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The delay in capitation disbursement intensifies concerns, potentially causing operational crises with Form One admissions projected to elevate the secondary school population to 3.8 million.
Parents are urging the Ministry to address extra levies, with National Parents Association chair Silas Obuhatsa calling on the Teachers Service Commission to penalize schools breaching fee guidelines.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Secretary General Akello Misori adds to the plea, urging the government to expedite the deployment of extra teachers, emphasizing the shortfall in meeting the commitment to employ 116,000 teachers.
Capitation Funds Delay Sparks Financial Concerns as Secondary Schools Welcome 1.4 Million New Learners