Over a week after schools reopened, the government is yet to release capitation funds, leaving institutions countrywide grappling with severe financial hardships.
Michael Kasimba Ngui, the KNUT Secretary for the Yatta-Masinga chapter, has urged the Ministry of Education (MoE) to expedite the disbursement of funds and alleviate the growing crisis.
Speaking to Education News, Ngui expressed concern over the impact of the delay, noting that many schools are struggling to manage basic operations.
“Some schools cannot pay for essential supplies needed by both teachers and students,” he said, adding that several institutions have also failed to pay their staff salaries.
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Last week, as reported by Education News National Treasury CS John Mbadi said that his office is working with MoE to ensure funds have been disbursed by the end of this month.
He urged school heads will have to look for alternative ways to keep learners in schools without money following announcement by government that it will release capitation funds by the end of this month.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure money is released to schools on time and ensure smooth learning,” Mbadi said.
Saying that he is aware of the concern over the delay in releasing the cash, he asked school heads to bear with the government for a short while.
Ngui criticized Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba for failing to deliver on his promise to release the funds before schools reopened.
“How do you expect schools to function without capitation money? It’s almost two weeks since schools reopened, and the situation is dire,” Ngui lamented.
The prolonged delay is now threatening the smooth running of learning institutions, with stakeholders calling for immediate intervention.
By Agnes Orang’o
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