The government has released Ksh21.8 billion in capitation grants to public basic education institutions just days before the new academic term, set to begin on August 26, 2024. This move, widely regarded as essential by education stakeholders, comes as a significant relief to schools that were facing financial challenges due to delayed funding.
The timing of the release is particularly crucial as the education sector faces uncertainty, with the possibility of a teachers’ strike looming on Monday. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos confirmed the disbursement of the funds, stressing that the allocation is intended to ensure the smooth resumption of school activities.
The funds are allocated across the three levels of basic education, with Ksh1.62 billion designated for Free Primary Education, Ksh6.1 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, and Ksh14.1 billion for Free Day Secondary Education.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos emphasized the importance of these funds in upholding the government’s constitutional obligation to provide free and compulsory basic education to every child, as mandated by Article 53(1)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution.
He highlighted that this allocation is crucial for ensuring that the right to education is fully realized, allowing schools to operate smoothly and meet the educational needs of all students as the new academic term begins.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to supporting the education sector and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
The timely release of Ksh21.8 billion in capitation grants, divided among Free Primary Education, Free Day Junior School Education, and Free Day Secondary Education, comes as a much-needed relief, especially in light of recent concerns over financial instability in schools.
Migos emphasized that this allocation fulfills the government’s constitutional duty under Article 53(1)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution, which mandates free and compulsory basic education for all children.
Despite the anxiety and warnings from the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) about the potential financial crisis due to delayed funding, the release of these funds is expected to stabilize the situation as schools prepare to resume.
The concerns raised by Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) leaders highlight the serious challenges faced by public schools due to delays in capitation funding. Johnson Nzioka, KEPSHA Chairman, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to fulfill its promises, particularly the commitment to release 30% of the capitation funds on time for the second term, which had not been met. This shortfall left schools burdened with unpaid debts and unable to sustain essential operations, including co-curricular activities.
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Kennedy Kyeva, KEPSHA’s National Treasurer, echoed these concerns, pointing out that the delay in funding had already begun to disrupt school activities. He also criticized the handling of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), which has been plagued by issues, such as data erasure, causing confusion and making it difficult to maintain accurate records.
Additionally, the partial release of capitation for Junior Secondary Schools—only 50% of the required amount—has exacerbated the financial strain, leaving many schools in a precarious situation. The fear is that if these issues are not addressed promptly, the new academic term could face significant disruptions, jeopardizing the quality of education and the ability of schools to operate effectively.
As schools prepare to reopen, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has issued a stern directive to school heads and principals, emphasizing the need for prudent use of the recently released Ksh21.8 billion in capitation grants.
Migos made it clear that any misuse of these funds, which are designated for the benefit of learners, will result in strict consequences. He also addressed the growing concern over unauthorized levies being imposed on parents by some schools, stating that such practices will not be tolerated by the Ministry.
“The funds are for the benefit of the learners, and any deviation from this will be dealt with firmly,” Migos declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
Despite the recent disbursement of funds, the concerns raised by the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) highlight deeper issues within the management of education financing in Kenya. The delays in fund releases have exposed the fragility of the current funding model, casting doubt on the sustainability of the government’s commitment to free education.
While the Ksh21.8 billion capitation grant provides temporary relief for schools and parents, the underlying challenges related to funding delays and systemic inefficiencies remain unresolved. The Ministry of Education will need to address these issues to prevent future crises and ensure that schools can operate smoothly and fulfill their educational mandates.
