Education

State urges patience from secondary school heads over delayed capitation funds

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He has urged secondary school principals to remain patient as the government works to disburse capitation funds. (Photo: DPCS)

By Lucy Mumbi | Thursday, June 27, 2024

The DP said the government is facing financial challenges but efforts are underway to the resources to facilitate smooth running of operations.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged secondary school principals to remain patient as the government works to disburse capitation funds.

This is even as secondary schools are yet to receive full capitation funds for term one.

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A document by Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) titled ‘Free Secondary Education Capitation 2024’ reveals that the Ministry of Education released a capitation of Sh8,319.68 per learner last term.

This is short of Sh11,000 allocated for the first term per learner for capitation which is 50 per cent of Sh22,244 provided as the total capitation for each learner every year.

“Therefore, a balance of Sh2,802.32 is still owed,” the document reads.

This term, the schools expect Sh6,673.20 which is 30 percent of the total capitation.

Speaking at the 47th annual Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) conference in Mombasa, Gachagua said the government is facing financial challenges but efforts are underway to the resources to facilitate smooth running of operations.

“About the capitation, we have had challenges with a very tight fiscal space, escalating public debt against diminishing revenue. We don’t have a store anywhere where we can get money. We receive money from taxpayers and we give it to you," he said.

"When there is a delay in receiving there is a delay in disbursement. We try as much as we can to release the money on time. We will work together progressively to do what we can do within the limited space,” he said.

TVET investment

Gachagua said the government has invested in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, to equip the youth with competitive job market skills.

He emphasised the integration of prior learning recognition to improve employment prospects for skilled individuals lacking formal documentation.

“We have continued to invest in the TVETs because of their potential to create jobs, especially in the Informal Sector of our economy, which is employing more than 83 per cent of our workforce. In looking for more opportunities beyond our borders, cutting-edge skills are the passport. Therefore, there must be a seamless transition from Senior Secondary Schools to tertiary institutions, as per the pathways,” he said.

He also called on teachers and educational associations, including KESSHA, KUPPET, KNUT, and KUSNET, to support government efforts in combating alcohol and substance abuse.

He lauded teachers as leaders who play a critical role in shaping the moral compass of the young ones and society.

“You have a strong voice, help us fight illegal alcohol. If you drink, choose the right beverages so others can follow your example. Protect our girls from predatory individuals. We rely on you as leaders to secure their future,” he said.