Principals Raise Concerns Surrounding New Application Forms for Free Day Secondary
The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, has issued a circular requiring secondary schools to fill new application forms for the free day secondary program.
While the intention behind this exercise is to update data and accurately capture school characteristics, school heads fear that this requirement may further delay the disbursement of funds.
Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, Indimuli Kahi urges the Ministry of Education to utilize available data while updating the records, ensuring a faster allocation process.
Under the free day secondary education program, the government allocates Sh22,244 per student.
Previously disbursed in three tranches, the pandemic disruption led to the funds being provided in four quarters.
However, the allocated amounts have not been fully received by schools in recent terms, causing financial strain.
Last year, schools received less than the allocated amounts, impacting their ability to cover essential expenses.
The delayed release of funds not only affects schools but also has a detrimental impact on small-scale businesses that supply goods and services to educational institutions.
Business owners report impending closures due to financial losses incurred during this period.
Additionally, primary schools are facing similar challenges, as they have also not received their capitation funds under the Free Primary Education program. This puts the education of young learners at risk.
The auditor-general’s report from last year highlighted concerns regarding the accuracy of data in the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).
The report indicated difficulties in verifying student numbers, poor bookkeeping, and suspicious school bank accounts.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Education should improve data accuracy, ensure transparent financial management,
Principals Raise Concerns Surrounding New Application Forms for Free Day Secondary
