KNUT urges timely release of capitation funds ahead of schools reopening

As schools gear up to reopen for the second term this week, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is urging the government to release capitation funds without delay, warning that any holdup could disrupt learning and hinder schools from effectively implementing the next phase of the new curriculum.

Speaking to the press, KNUT Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno highlighted the urgency of the situation, urging the government to ensure the timely release of 30 per cent of the capitation funds allocated for the second term.

He cautioned that any delays could disrupt learning and obstruct the smooth execution of the next phase of the new curriculum as schools prepare to reopen.

“We are about to open schools on Monday, April 29. It’s important that the government does not wait until the last minute to release the capitation funds, or delay them until the middle or end of the second term,” Otieno said.

“The Ministry must ensure the timely release of the 30 per cent allocated for the second term before schools reopen to allow for smooth operations and uninterrupted learning."

He further called for the immediate settlement of any outstanding balances from the first term, noting that a clean financial slate is crucial for schools to operate efficiently from the first day of the new term.

“If there are any outstanding balances from the first term, they should be released promptly so that schools can start the second term on a clean slate, especially with the ongoing transition,” Otieno said.

Otieno pointed out that timely funding is especially critical now, as Grade 10 students are beginning to choose their academic pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

He said schools need adequate support and resources to implement the curriculum effectively and avoid delays that could affect students’ learning experiences.

Presidential directives

In addition to the funding concerns, Otieno criticised some Members of Parliament for allegedly misusing presidential directives on teacher recruitment.

Otieno faulted some politicians for exploiting these directives for personal or political gain, including conducting teacher interviews in their homes and soliciting bribes in exchange for appointment letters.

He urged MPs to respect the integrity of the recruitment process, highlighting that presidential support in teacher employment should benefit the education sector, not be used for political mileage.

“Teachers should be selected fairly and based on merit, especially those who have just graduated from college,” he stated.

Other Topics To Read

• Education
• school capitation
• public secondary schools capitation
• Capitation Funds
• second term capitation
• capitation for schools
• schools capitation
• KNUT urges timely release of capitation funds ahead of schools reopening
• Headlines