Urgent Release of Free Primary Education Funds Before Term Ends

The Kenyan government has announced the disbursement of Free Primary Education (FPE) funds to public primary schools just days before the end of the current term. This development was communicated through a circular dated July 25, 2024, signed by Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education.

According to the circular, the Ministry of Education has allocated Ksh144 per learner to Account 1 and Ksh186 per learner to Account 2. This substantial release of funds comes as a crucial support for schools as they approach the end of the academic term.

The circular specifies the intended use of these funds. The Ksh144 per learner deposited into Account 1 is earmarked for educational materials. Schools are instructed to use this amount for purchasing exercise books, teachers’ guides, reference materials, stationery, and assessment tools. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential learning resources are readily available to students, contributing to a more effective and engaging educational environment.

In contrast, the Ksh186 per learner in Account 2 has a broader range of permissible uses. This amount is designated for operational and maintenance costs, including wages for support staff, environmental and sanitation needs, ICT infrastructure, science materials, electricity, water, local transport, and travel expenses. By covering these diverse needs, the government aims to bolster the overall infrastructure and operational stability of public primary schools.

The circular mandates that all regional, county, and sub-county directors of education disseminate this information to public primary school head teachers promptly. Head teachers are required to acknowledge receipt of these funds through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) platform as soon as they are received. This step is crucial for ensuring transparency and proper tracking of the funds.

Moreover, the circular places responsibility on sub-county directors of education to monitor the utilization of these funds closely. They are tasked with ensuring that the funds are used in strict accordance with the ministry’s guidelines, thereby safeguarding against misallocation and ensuring that the intended benefits are realized.

Another key point emphasized in the circular is the necessity for head teachers to keep NEMIS updated with accurate enrollment data. This is vital as future disbursements will be based on the data recorded in NEMIS. Schools are also advised to upload learners in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 who lack birth certificates using their Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessment numbers to ensure accurate record-keeping.

In addition to these requirements, the circular requests that schools display information about the receipt of capitation grants on their notice boards. It also stipulates that budgets for the use of these funds must be presented and discussed in Board of Management (BoM) meetings before any expenditures are made. This requirement aims to foster accountability and involve the broader school community in financial oversight.

Overall, this timely release of FPE funds reflects the government’s commitment to supporting primary education and addressing the immediate needs of schools as they conclude the term. By providing clear guidelines and establishing mechanisms for oversight, the Ministry of Education aims to ensure that these funds are used effectively to enhance the quality of education and operational efficiency in public primary schools across Kenya.