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Education CS Admits the Govt is Struggling Amid Crisis in Schools

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has explained the reason behind the delay in the disbursement of capitation funds to schools, stating that so far, Ksh 19 billion has been disbursed.

While addressing the media on Tuesday January 28, Ogamba revealed that the government is experiencing financial challenges, which is why capitation funds are being disbursed in installments, posing a significant challenge to schools.

However, he assured school heads that the remaining amount would be disbursed by the end of the week.

“The disbursement is ongoing in installments due to the financial challenges the government is facing, but we are ensuring that funds are released to schools to enable them to continue operating. This week, as we speak, Ksh 14 billion is being processed,” he stated.

Ogamba Reveals Financial Challenges for Delay in Funds
Education CS Julius Ogamba. PHOTO/Julius Ogamba

Ogamba Assures School Heads of Pending Capitation Funds Disbursement

Education stakeholders, led by school heads, voiced their frustration over the delay in the disbursement of capitation funds, with the majority stating that the Ksh 19 billion released by the Treasury is insufficient.

They argued that crucial amenities in schools, such as infrastructure development and the equipping of classrooms in Junior Secondary Schools, remain inadequately funded.


Also Read:Education CS Speaks on Cut-off Grade for Joining University After KCSE 2024 Results


“If the suppliers, for example, insist that they must be paid, it will force the Board of Management to go for virement.

If they go for virement from one vote head to the next, it will cause a lot of confusion and mix-up. In the long run, the realization of the dream of the competency-based curriculum may not be actualized,” said Kisumu Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary David Obuon.

School heads forced to dig deeper into their pockets

Meanwhile, secondary schools are yet to receive any capitation funds, prompting school heads to dig deeper into their pockets.

“Principals are digging deeper into their pockets. The money that the government sends, they are instructed on how to use it, and that is not enough to make ends meet.

With the way things are, and the absence of Form Ones, things are going to be very precarious,” Kisumu KUPPET Executive Secretary Zablon Awange said.


Also Read: Education CS Julius Ogamba Addresses Resigning from Ruto’s Cabinet


Elsewhere, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) National Chairperson Willie Kuria expressed hope that the government would disburse the remaining funds, noting that last year’s deficit of 7,000 had left schools struggling with existing debts.

He emphasized that clearing these debts was a priority before taking on additional financial burdens.

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KCSE, Education CS Julius Ogamba and PS Belio Kipsang at Moi Primary School in Nakuru County on November 22, 2024.PHOTO/MoE. KPSEA
Education CS Julius Ogamba and PS Belio Kipsang at Moi Primary School in Nakuru County on November 22, 2024.PHOTO/MoE.

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Michael Owino

Mr. Michael Owino is a Multimedia journalist and Voice Over artist with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication. He strives to bring stories to life through a variety of mediums. His primary interests lie in Technology and other human-interest stories. He can be reached at michael.owino@thekenyatimes.com

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