National Examinations at Risk as Govt Delays Sh29 Billion School Funding
The administration of this year’s national examinations is currently in jeopardy due to the public schools’ Sh29 billion debt.
Emerging reports indicate that the government owes secondary schools a balance of Sh14 billion, which should have been released during the last term.
And the government has yet to release Sh15 billion for this term, weeks before the commencement of national exams.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) national chairman Omboko Milemba noted that based on the figures, the nation’s government currently owes each student some Sh10,469.
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He added that the end of the second term should have seen a payment of approximately Sh4,908 from this sum. Additionally, this term should have seen the distribution of another Sh5,561 per student.
Primary and secondary teachers are expressing concern, particularly regarding the purchase of examination materials.
According to Kahi Indimuli, who serves as the national chairman of secondary school heads, they are unable to procure examination materials, especially for practical subjects, due to outstanding debts with suppliers spanning two financial years.
Primary and secondary teachers are currently concerned about their ability to procure examination materials, especially for practical subjects.
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This concern arises from their outstanding debts to suppliers for two financial years, according to Kahi Indimuli, the national chairman of secondary school heads.
He stated that preparations for the tests are in jeopardy because plans to purchase the necessary apparatus and chemicals are at risk.
With only six weeks until the 27th of October, when schools will close and national exams will begin, school administrators have raised the alarm.
They warn of a possible cessation of operations in public institutions. In addition, they are contemplating early school closures, which could have far-reaching effects on the quality of education and academic outcomes for students.
According to the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), approximately 3.5 million students will take national examinations next month.
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Approximately 1,4 million individuals have enrolled for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and 903,260 for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
According to Knec data, approximately 1,2 million students will take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA). On October 30, both KCPE and KPSEA will begin. The KCSE will commence on November 3.
Milemba stated that most headteachers are in agreement about the crisis they are facing, which involves advocating for the early closure of schools. This situation is also expected to impact the quality of education and exam results.
In some schools, he said, a “zero-fee balance policy” has been imposed on applicants.
Mr. Indimuli stated that supplier obligations are increasing as payments remain delinquent. He stated that some schools were compelled to take out loans or use their own funds to remain open.
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However, that is not all. The instructors also struggle to cover expenses such as electricity bills, employee salaries, and other operational expenses.
Indimuli reported that principals are facing significant pressure, and this could potentially impact their well-being. He explained that they haven’t been sending the required statutory deductions for non-teaching staff and other school employees.
Even when funds are provided, they frequently fall far short of their requirements, according to him. According to him, the situation is worse in day schools because they rely solely on capitation to operate.
Milemba has communicated his concerns to Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, addressing the issue of financial challenges faced by schools two weeks after the commencement of the third term.
In a letter dated September 12 to Machogu, Milemba highlighted the difficulties schools are encountering, such as meeting financial obligations, including payments to contractors and suppliers.
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Furthermore, he said that he has initiated parliamentary inquiries through the clerks to seek an explanation from the Cabinet Secretary for Education regarding the delay.
As teachers and parents await responses from Machogu and the Treasury, primary schools continue to grapple with a funding gap.
The chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KPSHA), Johnson Nzioka, disclosed that they have only received fifty percent of the owed funds for primary schools.
He stated that this delayed and inadequate disbursement has made it difficult for schools to fund essential expenses such as electricity bills, staff salaries, and other operational costs.
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According to Nzioka the problem becomes more complex because fund disbursement relies on the National Education Management Information System (Nemis), which appears to inadequately record accurate enrollment data for all students.
National Examinations at Risk as Govt Delays Sh29 Billion School Funding
