Teachers slam government over Sh22 billion capitation money

Teachers have criticized the government for the mismanagement of capitation funds.

Through their representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), they are demanding an explanation from the Ministry of Education regarding the recent disbursement of Sh22 billion for term two, which they described as a mystery for the learners.

Bomet KNUT Executive Secretary Desmond Langat and Trans Mara counterpart Willy Korir condemned the delayed release of the funds and the inadequate amounts allocated to some schools.

"Imagine some school managers receive Sh 85 or Sh 1,000, while others get Sh 4,000, despite having a school population of over 1,000. Is that capitation or just enough for lunch or airtime? This government is playing with the education of our children; it’s a joke," Langat stated.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001519674/relief-for-schools-as-government-releases-sh22-billion-in-capitation">"Is this amount< supposed to cover students? The government needs to clarify whether it can truly fund free education," he added.

Korir echoed this sentiment, calling for a review of the capitation amounts, arguing that the current funding is insufficient to meet educational needs.

Korir lamented that funding for education has remained constant for over a decade, despite the cost of living increasing by nearly 50 percent.

He also accused the Ministry of Education of placing headteachers in a difficult position due to the irregular disbursement of free education funds, asserting that school heads are sitting on a "time bomb."

"You cannot control a hungry population," he said, urging the government to improve capitation amounts and ensure the timely release of funds to educational institutions rather than playing with education.

He called on the government to streamline the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) and to stop linking the release of funds to this system.

He noted that some schools have missed out on capital funds due to allegations that students' names were missing from the system.

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the release of Sh22 billion in capitation funds for Term Two.

This decision came after complaints from school heads and principals nationwide, who indicated that the delays were hindering access to crucial learning resources.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001519754/why-capitation-is-the-new-lie-at-education-ministry#google_vignette">Secondary schools< received the largest portion, totalling Sh11.6 billion, followed by junior schools, which received Sh8.9 billion.

Primary schools were granted Sh1.37 billion, while junior schools for special needs students received Sh118 million.

The Ministry has also set a July date for the pilot phase of the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), with full implementation expected to begin in September.

“As a Ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorized levies," stated Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001520128/crisis-deepens-as-capitation-fails-to-reach-schools">Initially, the Ministry< had announced that it would release the capitation funds on May 9, but the delay forced school administrators to make difficult decisions to meet financial obligations, such as salaries and supplier debts.

Secondary school heads cautioned that these delays could disrupt the school calendar and may force them to send learners home.