The Kenyan government has moved to address the ongoing financial crisis in schools by releasing an additional Sh14 billion for capitation, bringing the total disbursement for the current term to Sh33 billion. This comes after an initial release of Sh19 billion last Thursday, aimed at mitigating the operational challenges that schools have been facing due to delayed funding.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, schools that have accounts with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will access the funds starting today (Thursday), while those banking with other financial institutions will have the funds available by Friday.
The Sh33 billion released so far is meant to cater to Primary Schools, Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), and Secondary Schools. The government has reassured school heads that an outstanding balance of Sh15 billion for the current term is still pending and will be disbursed in due course. The funds are allocated for tuition and operational expenses, which have been a significant point of concern for school administrators due to the delays.
The delay in capitation funding has put immense pressure on school administrations, with many institutions struggling to run day-to-day activities. Schools have faced challenges in procuring essential learning materials, paying non-teaching staff, and maintaining infrastructure. The situation had reached a critical point, with some headteachers warning of potential shutdowns if funds were not disbursed urgently.
With the release of the Sh14 billion, school heads are expected to have some relief as they work to stabilize operations. However, many remain anxious about the pending Sh15 billion, urging the government to ensure timely disbursements in the future.
The government has acknowledged the concerns raised by school administrators and assured them that all efforts are being made to streamline the disbursement process. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Treasury, has pledged to ensure that capitation funds are released in a timely manner to prevent future disruptions in the education sector.
Education stakeholders, including Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) and Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), have welcomed the move but continue to push for a more structured and predictable funding model to avoid similar crises in the future.
As schools access the latest funds, focus will now shift to the timely release of the remaining balance to ensure uninterrupted learning for students across the country.
