The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has blamed the government for the challenges schools face due to the delayed release of capitation funds.
According to the union, the delay forces head teachers to send students home for school fees, which has had serious consequences, particularly for young girls who become vulnerable to early marriages.
“As our young girls wander home to ask for school fees, they encounter bodaboda operators who lure them with cheap rides, ultimately leading them into early marriages at the expense of their education,” said Kennedy Migiro, the Gucha South KNUT Branch Executive Secretary.
Migiro spoke on Friday at the burial of Senior Chief William Mochama at Nyabigena Secondary School in South Mugirango Constituency.
He asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, to honour his promises regarding the release of capitation funds, accusing him of repeatedly claiming that the funds would be released “next week,” only for the week to come and go without any action.
“The delay causes significant inconvenience in schools, especially those that rely on these funds for infrastructural and sports development,” Migiro added.
He also called on the Ministry of Education to increase the sports budget for schools to better support physical education, which he believes plays a crucial role in a child’s holistic development.
While praising the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for its recognition of talent and growth potential, Migiro expressed concerns about its success without adequate financial backing to equip schools and train teachers for its implementation.
Migiro was accompanied by his predecessor, Joseph Makabe, who also spoke at the ceremony. Makabe thanked the government for introducing the CBC and recognized it as essential in preparing students for the digital era and technological advancements.
READ ALSO: Ruto-Raila coalition urged to honour Free Education promise
“We are rapidly transitioning into the digital age, which requires timeless competencies. That is why this system is relevant,” Makabe said.
The former KNUT branch executive secretary also urged the residents to elect leaders with a genuine education development agenda.
In a light-hearted moment, Makabe praised the late Senior Chief William Mochama of Nyabigena Location for balancing his polygamous family responsibilities while actively promoting education in the area.
He credited the chief with initiating several schools, including St Joseph’s Nyabigena Boys, Marongo, Nyakembene, and Ichuni, which have produced numerous scholars.
Makabe appealed to South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro to allocate NG-CDF funds to Nyabigena Secondary to complete stalled classrooms and accommodate the growing student population.
“I request the MP to honour this departed chief by funding the school he initiated at his doorstep,” Makabe said.
The burial ceremony was also attended by former Kiogoro Ward MCA Samuel Apoko, who took the opportunity to rally support for former Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i in his 2027 presidential bid.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
