The Kenyan government has taken a significant step to address the financial needs of public schools by releasing Ksh21.8 billion as the new academic term begins on August 26, 2024.
This funding comes at a crucial time to ensure that schools across the country can run smoothly without disruptions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed the disbursement of these funds, which are allocated to three different education levels: Free Primary Education, Free Day Junior Secondary Education, and Free Day Secondary Education.
Ogamba emphasized that this financial allocation is part of the government's ongoing commitment to ensuring free and compulsory education for all Kenyan children, as outlined in the Constitution.
With the funds now in the hands of schools, the government aims to avoid any potential crisis, especially in institutions that have been struggling due to delays in receiving financial support.
Breakdown of the Funds
The total allocation of Ksh21.8 billion is split among the three levels of education:
- Ksh1.62 billion has been allocated for Free Primary Education.
- Ksh6.1 billion has been set aside for Free Day Junior Secondary Education.
- Ksh14.1 billion has been designated for Free Day Secondary Education.
This financial boost is expected to alleviate the pressure on public schools and ensure they can meet their operational costs. However, the government is also taking measures to prevent misuse of these funds.
As schools prepare to reopen, CS Ogamba has issued a strong warning to school principals and headteachers across the country. He made it clear that any attempt to extort parents by imposing unauthorized levies will not be tolerated.
Ogamba emphasized that the funds provided by the government are strictly for the benefit of students, and any misuse of this money will be met with severe consequences.
This warning is part of the government's broader effort to combat corruption within the education sector. The Education Ministry is determined to ensure that every shilling allocated is used appropriately to improve the quality of education and support the students.
Ogamba's statement sends a strong message to school administrators who may be tempted to take advantage of parents by demanding additional payments. With the government's commitment to providing free education, there is no justification for such levies.
The release of these funds has brought some relief to schools, but it comes after growing concerns over delayed capitation funds. The Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) had earlier raised alarms about the impact of delayed financial support on school operations. Many schools were struggling to pay suppliers, leading to accumulating debts and potential disruptions to learning.
KEPSHA Chairman Johnson Nzioka and National Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva had been vocal about the challenges faced by schools, particularly due to issues with the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS). The system, designed to manage student enrollment and funding, had reportedly caused delays and confusion in the disbursement of funds.
While the government’s recent move to release Ksh21.8 billion provides a temporary solution, school heads remain concerned about the sustainability of education financing. They have called for improvements in the management of NEMIS to prevent future delays.
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