The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the government to speed up the disbursement of capitation funds to schools to ensure uninterrupted learning as students begin the new academic year.
KNUT National Chairman, Mr. Patrick Karinga Munuhe, emphasized that the delay in the release of the funds has severely impacted schools, hindering their ability to operate effectively. "The lack of capitation has crippled learning, and urgent action from the government is required to ensure the smooth functioning of schools," Munuhe stated.
The government is expected to release Sh48.4 billion to public primary and secondary schools for the first term. However, Mr. Karinga highlighted that last term's capitation was not fully disbursed, leaving a balance of Sh7,000 per student out of the anticipated Sh22,000. As a result, schools were forced to close with outstanding debts, including salary arrears.
“The delayed capitation release is putting school heads in a difficult position as they struggle to keep their institutions running,” Mr. Karinga added. He further warned that unless the funds are released promptly, there is a risk of further disruption to the learning process.
In response to the concerns, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba assured that capitation funds for the first term would be disbursed on time, aiming to resolve the financial challenges that schools have faced in previous years.
The government’s timely release of the funds is seen as crucial to ensuring that schools can function without financial hindrances and provide a conducive learning environment for students.