Kenya Secondary schools may be forced to close early due to delays in the disbursement of full capitation amount required to support operations.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KSSHA) has raised concerns that many schools are on the verge of running out of funds necessary for daily operations, tuition, and infrastructure maintenance.
KSSHA chairman Willy Kuria has disclosed that the expected capitation per student was Ksh22,244 for tuition alone.
However, only Ksh15,192 has been released by the government, leaving a deficit of Ksh7,052 per student.
Additionally, the government directed schools to deposit Ksh3,850 for infrastructure out of the expected full amount.
Therefore, the balance for tuition and operations for every school per student stands at Ks11,342.
Also Read: TSC Announces Changes in KCSE & KPSEA Exams Ahead of October
Impact of Capitation Deficit on Schools
Consequently, the gap in funding has caused strain on school operations, a situation exacerbated by inflation and rising commodity prices.
KSSHA now warns that schools will not be able to purchase the necessary materials required for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2024 which are set to begin in October.
Also, some schools are unable to administer end of year examinations for learners in various classes.
“There’s already a serious financial crisis in schools and it is not possible to complete the term, if the remaining capitation is not released. We’re very worried that the debt burden in schools is getting out of hand,” Kuria said.
KCSE and KPSEA Exams Dates
The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams are scheduled to begin on October 22 and end on November 22.
However, the rehearsals will begin on October 18, 2024.
On the other hand, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will begin on October 28 and end on October 30.
Also Read: KNEC Introduces Major Changes to 2024 KCSE Exams Papers
The rehearsals will begin on October 25, 2024.
Earlier in August 2024, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) CEO David Njengere announced changes in the exam papers meant to curb exam cheating.
The KNEC CEO said that students who will sit for the 2024 KCSE examination will have their papers customized, adding that candidates found breaking the rules will take personal responsibility.
Their names, index numbers, and other personal details will be pre-printed on the papers.
Therefore, any malpractice by individual candidates will not lead to the punishment of an entire school or an examination center.
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