Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda has called on the National Treasury, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), to prioritize the timely disbursement of capitation funds to schools across Kenya. This call comes in response to the persistent challenges faced by school principals due to delayed funding, which disrupts school operations and negatively impacts both teachers and students.
Muhanda emphasized that the timely release of funds is crucial for schools to meet their operational needs. She suggested that it would be highly beneficial if the MoE could disburse funds even before students return to school. This would allow school administrators to prepare adequately, ensuring that they can address the needs of their students promptly. Muhanda’s call for proactive action reflects her commitment to improving the education system and ensuring that schools are adequately equipped to provide quality education.
The legislator made the remarks on January 1 at the Youth Empowerment Centre in Mudiri Estate, Kakamega, where she also donated KSh 8 million to support the “Teen Mothers of Hope” program. This initiative aims to offer scholarships to teen mothers who wish to continue their education, providing them with a crucial opportunity to pursue their studies despite early motherhood. The program also extends support to boda boda businesses, helping young mothers establish sustainable livelihoods.
In addition to advocating for timely funding, Muhanda also announced the mobilization of field officers from her office to assist students who completed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams but have not yet enrolled in colleges. This initiative aims to guide and support these students in enrolling in technical colleges, which are increasingly seen as a vital pathway to employment in Kenya’s evolving job market.
By focusing on timely disbursement of funds and supporting alternative educational pathways, Muhanda is contributing to the improvement of educational outcomes in Kakamega County and empowering youth to secure a brighter future.