Relief for schools as state releases Sh14 billion capitation funds after delays
The government has released Sh14 billion in school capitation funding, bringing the total disbursement for the current term to Sh33 billion.
This comes as the government assures school administrators that the remaining Sh15 billion will be disbursed soon.
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On Thursday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the National Treasury released the funds on Wednesday.
"The money will be disbursed into school accounts by today (Thursday). KCB account holders can access it immediately, while the rest will receive it by tomorrow," he said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba explained that school capitation is normally released in three phases — 50 per cent in the first term, 30 per cent in the second, and 20 per cent in the third.
"This year, we needed to release Sh48 billion for the first term, but due to budgetary constraints, we have so far disbursed Sh33 billion — Sh19 billion last week and Sh14 billion yesterday (Wednesday)," Ogamba said.
The CS assured school heads that the government is working closely with the Treasury to ensure the remaining Sh15 billion is released as soon as possible.
Schools financial struggles
He acknowledged the financial struggles schools face when capitation funds are delayed but urged principals not to send students home.
"We are aware of the challenges headteachers face when funds are not available. However, sending students home only adds stress to parents. As a government, we are doing everything possible to ensure the money is released in time," Ogamba said.
Despite these assurances, delays in capitation disbursement have sparked concerns among school heads and education stakeholders.
Some fear that the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) could be compromised, with Grade 9 learners particularly affected due to a lack of infrastructure and learning materials.
Day schools
Stakeholders have faulted the government for the delayed disbursement, citing frustration among school heads struggling to keep institutions operational.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) national chairman Willy Kuria had earlier this week expressed the dire financial situation in schools, especially day schools which rely heavily on capitation funds for their operational costs.
"We are in agreement that the situation is pathetic in day schools. Imagine one month with no money. But we have been assured by the PS that the funds will be released this week at 50 per cent. We are waiting," Kuria said.
He added that if the funds were not disbursed soon, the situation would become unbearable, forcing schools to possibly ask parents to contribute.
"Day schools depend purely on capitation funds. If the funds are not dispatched this week, the situation will be unbearable," Kuria warned.
The funds, which are meant for tuition and operational expenses, have not arrived as expected, and this has led to serious operational challenges for schools.
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