The Kenya National Union of Teachers has continued to mount pressure on the government to release capitation for schools.
According to the union, learning institutions across the country are currently grappling with financial challenges ahead of the commencement of national examinations.
Speaking in Nairobi, the union’s first national vice chairman Malel Langat noted that this has not only affected preparations for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education but also end-year examinations in other classes.
“Some little money came but the school heads were told to divert it to infrastructure meaning they do not have anything to enable them to meet the costs of required materials,” said Malel.
The funds are usually meant for purchasing stationery like exercise books, lab equipment, and chemicals.
It is sent to schools in three trenches in a year, where 50 per cent of the amount per learner in the first term is released in the first term, 30 per cent (second term), and 20 per cent (third term).
Every year, each learner gets Sh22,244 for tuition under the free day secondary education programme.
School heads register their learners with the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) for them to get capitation. The government disbursed Sh15,192 and directed schools to channel Sh3,850 for infrastructure with the remainder being utilised on tuition and other crucial operations in school.
According to Malel, the government currently ‘owes’ each learner Sh6,000.
A total of Sh21.8 billion was released to schools in August this year.
With schools scheduled to close on October 25 for the December holiday, there are fears that many might be forced earlier due to the challenge.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) launched last week the 2024 national examinations and assessments season.
This year, the council will administer KCSE to 965,501 candidates in 10,565 centres and KPSEA to 1,303,913 candidates in 35,573 centres.
This brings the total to 2,279,414 candidates across the country.
“To ensure smooth administration of the examination and assessments, KNEC has acquired 41 new containers, bringing the total to 617 for secure storage and transportation of exam materials,” KNEC CEO David Njengere said.
Malel further called on the examination body to ensure timely payment of all contracted teachers noting the constant delay is demoralising.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI