Why schools were forced to close earlier than scheduled
Schools across the nation are grappling with significant financial difficulties, which have compelled some to close earlier than their scheduled dates. According to the Ministry of Education’s calendar, the closing date for the third term is October 27, marking one of the lengthiest holidays, lasting for a total of 10 weeks.
A recent survey conducted by The Star indicates that many schools in Nairobi have already closed, while others are making plans to release their students starting from Friday. The root cause of this crisis is the government’s failure to release the necessary funding, leading to learning institutions struggling to provide cereals and other essential food supplies to sustain their students.
Principals from select schools have reported that the government has only disbursed 24 percent of the total funds, leaving a substantial balance of 76 percent unpaid. An anonymous school principal expressed their difficulties due to the financial situation, emphasizing that the lack of funds forced them to close prematurely.
The situation is further compounded by the reluctance of suppliers to provide food materials because of the significant outstanding debts owed by the schools. The principal lamented a staggering debt of Sh31 million, leading suppliers to refrain from conducting further business with the school.
In addition to the school’s financial woes, parents at this particular institution owe a total of Sh10 million in unpaid fees. Under the government’s policies of free primary education and free day secondary education, Sh1,420 and Sh22,244 are allocated for each learner as capitation funds for primary and secondary schools, respectively, on an annual basis. These funds are expected to be disbursed termly using a 50:30:20 distribution formula.
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On May 30, 2023, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the government’s plan to release Sh28 billion to primary schools, junior, and senior secondary schools in the country by May 2. This school closure comes at a critical time when Form Four candidates are preparing for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) revealed that rehearsals for these exams would commence on October 19, with the actual examinations scheduled to take place on October 23.
Why schools were forced to close earlier than scheduled
