Knut wants capitation per learner increased at all education levels
The Kenya National Union of Teachers is advocating for an increase in the per-learner capitation across all education levels. Collins Oyuu, the Knut Secretary General, expressed concern about the current allocation, stating that Pre-primary learners receive only Sh1,170 per pupil, which he deems extremely low.
Oyuu proposed raising this capitation to at least Sh5,000 annually per pupil. For Primary pupils, the current allocation is Sh2,237 per learner, which Oyuu suggests should be increased to Sh4,000.
Oyuu made these remarks during a National Stakeholders Conference on Funding and Commercialization of Education in Nairobi. He also highlighted the inadequate allocation of Sh1,420 per child in Primary school. In the case of Junior Secondary students, they receive Sh15,043 as per the recommendation of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), but Oyuu urged an increase to at least Sh22,000. Similarly, for Senior secondary school learners, the allocation is Sh22,527 per student, and Oyuu called for raising it to Sh35,000.
Special Needs learners, according to PWPER recommendations, receive additional capitation, but Oyuu argues it falls short due to rising inflation. He proposed raising the capitation to Sh35,000 for all learners with Special Needs and Disabilities in Primary school and Sh60,000 in Secondary schools.
Oyuu also emphasized the need for the government to invest in teaching tools and technology for Special Needs educators. He highlighted the budgetary allocation for the education sector, expressing concern that it may not be sufficient to sustain the sector’s needs, considering the population growth and government policies like the 100 percent transition policy.
For the 2023/24 academic year, the budgetary allocation stands at Sh628.6 billion, with provisions for teacher recruitment, capitation grants, and free education.
Oyuu stressed that underfunding in the education sector shifts costs to parents, particularly in public education.
Knut wants capitation per learner increased at all education levels
