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 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.
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“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.
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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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