The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is intensifying pressure on the government to release capitation funds for schools, as learning institutions across the country struggle with financial challenges ahead of national examinations.
Speaking in Nairobi, KNUT’s First National Vice Chairman, Malel Langat, expressed concern that the delays have impacted preparations for both the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and end-year exams for other classes.
“Some little money came, but the school heads were told to divert it to infrastructure, meaning they do not have anything to enable them to meet the costs of required materials,” Langat stated.
The capitation funds, which are typically used to purchase essential materials such as stationery, lab equipment, and chemicals, are released to schools in three tranches each year: 50% in the first term, 30% in the second, and 20% in the third. Under the free day secondary education programme, each learner receives Sh22,244 annually.
Schools register their learners with the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to receive these funds. In August, the government disbursed Sh15,192 per learner, directing schools to allocate Sh3,850 for infrastructure, with the rest used for tuition and other operations. However, according to Langat, the government currently “owes” each learner Sh6,000.
Despite the release of Sh21.8 billion in August, many schools face the risk of early closure before the scheduled end of the term on October 25, due to financial strain.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has launched the 2024 national examination and assessment season. This year, 965,501 candidates will sit for KCSE in 10,565 centres, while 1,303,913 candidates will take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) in 35,573 centres, totaling 2,279,414 candidates across the country.
KNEC CEO David Njengere announced that 41 new containers have been acquired for secure storage and transportation of exam materials, bringing the total to 617.
Langat also urged KNEC to ensure the timely payment of all contracted teachers, noting that the consistent delays in their compensation are demoralizing.
