1 Million Students to Miss Govt Capitation Next Year
In 2024, Kenya is facing a critical issue as over a million secondary school students may lose out on government funding due to a substantial reduction of Ksh. 22 billion in the budget allocated for Free Day Secondary School Capitation in the 2023-2024 financial year.
This reduction was prompted by an unexpected increase of approximately two hundred thousand candidates taking the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam. This surge in student numbers placed considerable strain on the Basic Education Department, leading to the need for additional funds to accommodate the growing demand for secondary education.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang justified the request for increased funding, citing the challenges posed by this sudden influx of students. He presented his case to the National Assembly Education Committee, chaired by Julius Melly. However, the committee expressed doubts about the Ministry of Education’s planning, deeming it insufficient.
As a result of these budget constraints, PS Kipsang indicated that the Ministry might be unable to provide capitation funds to support the education of one million secondary school students.
Also Read:Â KNEC CEO on why Exams Are Picked Twice Daily
Despite a modest increase in the budget for the State Department of Basic Education, rising from Ksh. 147.8 billion to Ksh. 156.7 billion, concerns persist over a Ksh. 4 billion reduction in funding allocated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The need for sufficient funding to sustain ongoing education reforms in Kenya continues to be a matter of concern and debate among education officials.
1 Million Students to Miss Govt Capitation Next Year
The implications of this budget cut extend beyond the immediate future, raising questions about the education system’s ability to accommodate the growing number of students and meet their educational needs. Possible consequences include overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and limited access to quality education, particularly for those students who may miss out on capitation in 2024.
In summary, the reduction in funding for secondary school capitation in Kenya’s 2023-2024 budget has cast a shadow over the education of a million secondary school students, underscoring the urgency of sustainable funding solutions to support the country’s educational growth.
