Insufficient Funding Threatens to Paralyze Learning as PS Acknowledges Funding Gap
In the current financial year, approximately 1 million learners were not included in the Free Day Secondary Education program.
This exclusion poses a significant challenge as it leads to a majority of these learners dropping out of school.
Despite the government’s promise to roll out the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in schools, co-curriculum funding has not been given due importance.
Furthermore, the government is facing a debt of Sh1 billion owed to examiners who marked three examinations last year.
Shortfall in Funding for Junior Secondary School Transition
According to Education PS Belio Kipsang, an additional 1.4 million learners who will be transitioning to Grade 8 in Junior Secondary School (JSS) in the next financial year will not be factored into the budget.
The JSS funds were not included in the current year’s budget, and funding had to be provided through the supplementary budget.
“Out of Sh33.99 billion which is required to finance the transition classes of JSS, we only got Sh15.46 billion. We will have another 1.4 million in Grade 7 as well as 1.2 million learners in Grade 8,” Kipsang said.
Insufficient funding for JSS and the transition phase poses a threat to the continuity of education for these learners.
Free Day Secondary Education
The government has allocated Sh65.5 billion for free day secondary education, which falls short of the required amount of Sh88 billion.
This deficit of Sh24.5 billion puts a strain on schools offering free day secondary education.
The lack of funding compromises the quality of education and hinders the effective implementation of the program.
Co-Curriculum Activities
Despite the importance of co-curriculum activities in enhancing pathways in schools, the funding for these activities has been insufficient.
Many schools are struggling to support co-curriculum activities due to the lack of funds.
Some schools have even been forced to withdraw from drama festivals and ball games due to financial constraints.
The underfunding of co-curriculum activities undermines the holistic development of students.
Capitation Funds Delayed, Threatening School Operations
The government’s failure to release capitation funds has the potential to paralyze learning in public schools.
The National Parents Association (NPA) has warned that schools are already operating under financial constraints.
Sports activities, scheduled to begin in two weeks, are at risk of being canceled, which could lead to unrest among students.
The NPA highlighted that the schools did not receive the required funding for the second term, as per the legal provisions of the capitation funds.
Uncertainty Surrounding Teacher Payments and Exam Integrity
Questions have been raised regarding the payment of teachers contracted for invigilation and examination marking.
The delay in paying these teachers raises concerns about the integrity of exams.
Education PS Belio Kipsang assured that teachers would be paid once funds become available and emphasized the need to review rates to ensure adequate compensation for professionals involved in the examination process.
Conclusion
The current state of education funding in Kenya presents significant challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
The exclusion of learners from free secondary education, insufficient funding for JSS transition, underfunding of co-curriculum activities, delayed capitation funds, and uncertainty surrounding teacher payments all contribute to the potential disruption of education in public schools.
It is crucial for the government to allocate adequate funds and prioritize education to ensure the continuity and quality of learning for all students.
Insufficient Funding Threatens to Paralyze Learning as PS Acknowledges Funding Gap
