The National Government, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), has been asked to ensure that all public learning institutions receive their budgeted capitation funds every quarter.
While addressing the press at Mupeli Primary School in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County, politician and philanthropist Zachariah Baraza, accompanied by DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, noted that heads of institutions are facing major challenges in running operations due to a lack of funds to cover tuition fees for learners.
According to Baraza, many parents are experiencing difficult economic times, underscoring the need for the National Government to intervene to maintain the smooth flow of the academic calendar.
“The Ministry of Education is currently disbursing only 15 per cent of the capitation funding, whereas it should be at least 50 per cent to effectively facilitate learning activities.
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“This situation forces teachers to send students home for school fees arrears, which affects timely syllabus coverage,” Baraza said.
Wamalwa added that the ongoing crisis in the health sector concerning the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme is likely to adversely affect teachers’ access to medical attention unless the government intervenes and engages with the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association.
He expressed concern that a nationwide strike could prevent beneficiaries of the medical plan from accessing healthcare.
During the tour of Mupeli Primary School, a total of 150 students received free uniforms from Zachariah Baraza, with another 150 benefiting at Muslim Primary School.
The head teacher of Mupeli Primary School, Evelyn Wambaya, thanked the two leaders for their generous gesture in providing uniforms to needy students, noting that this support would significantly boost the students’ morale in class, especially since many were wearing torn uniforms.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews
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