School Heads and Government Clash Over Discrepancies in Capitation Funds
A dispute is brewing between school administrators and the government over the administration of the billions of money sent to institutions as learners’ capitation.
According to a teachers’ union, school administrators are being asked to account for Sh4,002 per student that has not been disbursed.
According to Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) representatives, heads only received Sh3,187 (per student).
The union deemed unjustifiable the state’s demand for accountability from non-recipients of funds.
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Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori observed that the Public Financial Management Act and school financial regulations require school directors to only account for funds received and used by their institutions.
Misori emphasized that the accountability for funds spent on behalf of schools lies with the Ministry of Education and the recipient agencies, not secondary schools.
Misori stated that the situation on the ground is bleak, as schools report that no funds have been issued for this term, despite the fact that they were intended to cover the debt from the previous fiscal year.
Information provided by principals indicates that schools have not yet received capitation funds for the third term of 2023.
The sum of Sh3,187.87, which was remitted on September 19, partially covers the outstanding arrears from the previous financial year (2022/2023).
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According to Misori, the ministry owes institutions Sh905.13 per student for the previous fiscal year, which ended on June 30.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education owes schools an additional Sh5,561 per learner for the first quarter of the current financial year 2023/2024.
In total, this amounts to approximately Sh19 billion that schools are still awaiting.
According to him, the government owes each student Sh3,449.50 from the funds distributed to institutions.
It is concerning that the government is withholding these funds at a critical juncture when schools are preparing for important examinations, requiring resources for learner preparation and practical materials.
This brings the total amount withheld from principals to over Sh10 billion, which remains unaccounted for.
Misori also reported that the government withheld Sh815 intended for schools and sent it to its agencies to provide services for schools.
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Additionally, the Ministry has disbursed Sh100 per learner to the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development (KICD) and Sh40 per learner to the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) from the tuition account.
These funds are intended for textbooks and capacity building, specifically for the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education.
Furthermore, Sh675 per learner has been remitted to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) from the operations account to cover medical insurance under EduAfya for learners.
Misori stated that if this goes unchallenged, it will pave the way for corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
As the government moves to tighten control and accountability of the funds, the Ministry of Education has also released a slew of measures that must be implemented concurrently with the publication of these particulars.
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Principals will be required to record the correct information regarding funds received, which must correspond with the National Education Management Information System (Nemis) database.
The information is contained in a circular dated September 15 and distributed to County Directors of Education by Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang.
Kipsang stated that institutions have two weeks to adhere to the directive.
“You should monitor the accuracy of enrollment data reflected in Nemis for your schools.”
School Heads and Government Clash Over Discrepancies in Capitation Funds