Teachers Demand Release Of Withheld Capitation For Schools Teachers Demand Release Of Withheld Capitation For Schools
Teachers are currently urging the national government to release the funds that have been withheld from schools prior to the remittance of the 2024 capitation in January. They have expressed concerns through their lobby groups, pointing out that the Ministry of Education is holding on to a significant amount of money while school principals are being asked to provide an account for funds they haven’t received.
Mr. Zablon Awange, the Secretary of the Kenya Union of Post Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kisumu Branch, questioned why the Ministry was only remitting half of the expected capitation per student, which has led to financial challenges for schools. He mentioned that the Ministry had remitted Sh11,892.14 instead of Sh22,244.14 per student.
David Obun, the Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers Kisumu Branch, noted that it has become a common issue in Kenya that the Ministry of Education fails to release funds to public schools as required. School heads are struggling with debts, and their health is deteriorating due to the pressure of managing debts and unmet needs in their institutions. They face demands for accountability from Ministry officials and auditors, despite the non-release of funds.
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Mr. Obun emphasized that primary and junior secondary schools are particularly affected, with instructional accounts receiving insufficient funds, and general purpose accounts experiencing deficits. He also questioned discrepancies in the allocation of funds to different school accounts.
The KUPPET Kisumu Secretary highlighted the difficulties school principals face in purchasing science materials for practical lessons and chemicals, especially during ongoing examinations. He also mentioned that Board of Management (BOM) teachers have yet to be paid, and there’s a threat of school fees increases in January due to rising commodity costs.
In conclusion, teachers are calling for transparency and timely disbursement of funds to schools according to the agreed ratio of 50:30:20. They demand that the government release the funds that each child is entitled to, rather than withholding funds and expecting schools to account for money they never received.
Teachers Demand Release Of Withheld Capitation For Schools
