Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu is under pressure to explain the discrepancies on learner capitation funding from the government.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 1, Members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Education led by Julius Melly challenged the government to provide clear information regarding the capitation of funds to learners.
During a meeting with CS Machogu and other education ministry officials, the Committee expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the actual amount of money disbursed to learners in both primary and secondary schools.
“On paper and in circulars by the Ministry, secondary school learners are each allocated Ksh22,244. However, the amount that reaches the schools is slightly over Ksh16,000. Where does the rest of the cash go?” posed Melly.
In response to these concerns, CS Machogu acknowledged the existing challenges related to capitation.
“The major challenge we have in regard to capitation is under-funding,” said CS Machogu.
Moreover, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang cautioned that the capitation issue would persist unless the Members of Parliament (MPs) intervened to ensure the Ministry receives adequate funding.
“Until we are able to adequately deal with under-funding, the challenge will persist. It’s only you Hon. Members that can sort us out,” warned the PS.
Further, Dr. Kipsang revealed that the Ministry faced a budgetary shortfall of Sh22 billion in the current financial year 2023/2024.
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Committee’s Assurance
Also, the Committee reassured the Ministry officials of their willingness to assist in addressing the budgetary gaps.
However, the Chairperson stressed the paramount importance of transparency in communicating the exact amount of money that each learner is entitled to receive.
“We acknowledge capitation is a thorny issue, but as a committee, we are ready to help you fill the gaps in your budget. However, what is important is for you to be honest with the schools and learners and inform them of the precise amount of money they will each receive as per your budget,” said Melly.
Among the officials who appeared before the Committee was Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala.
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Machogu on Fee Increase
This comes after CS Machogu addressed concerns about the government increasing school fees across the country.
On Monday, October 30, Machogu explained that the government will not be increasing fees come January 2024.
Moreover, he said that the fees will remain at Ksh53,000 for national schools and extra county schools and Ksh45,00 for county schools.
