Capitation Funds for Primary, Junior and Secondary Schools Trickle in After Weeks of Delay
The much-anticipated capitation funds for primary, junior and secondary schools have started coming in after weeks of delay. But school heads are disappointed as the released amount is short of 50% of what was expected for the first term.
Instead of relief, the insufficient funds have added to the financial problems for institutions that entirely rely on government funding.
Principals Battle Creditors and Staff Payments
Since schools re-opened in January 2024, principals and headteachers have been under pressure from suppliers and staff demanding payment for outstanding bills.
“We had thought this would ease our financial burden but now we are in a crisis,” one headteacher said.
Many school administrators are now thinking of repayment plans as they wait for the Ministry of Education to clarify on fund utilization.
Missing Capitation Circulars Add to the Confusion
While the Ministry of Education released the funds, it has not released the capitation circulars—also known as vote head guidelines.
- These circulars tell schools how to share funds per student in different expense areas.
- Without them, schools risk making financial decisions that may later raise audit queries
Several county and sub-county education offices are overwhelmed with school heads seeking guidance.
A principal from one of the regions said:
“My county has told us to wait for direction from the regional office but we have financial obligations that can’t wait.”
Some county directors have given informal instructions on how schools should spend the funds but formal communication is still pending from the Ministry.
Schools Proceed with Activities Amid Uncertainty
Despite the absence of capitation circulars, schools are going ahead with first term activities, including:
✅ Approval of maintenance and improvement (MI) projects
✅ Planning for drama, games and sports events
But school heads fear spending without guidelines may raise audit issues later.
“We don’t want to be scrutinized later. The Ministry must act fast and issue the circulars,” another administrator said.### Immediate Government Action Needed
As the financial crunch bites, school administrators and stakeholders want the Ministry of Education to:
- Issue capitation circulars as soon as possible to clear the air on spending.
- Release full funds to avoid shutting down schools.
- Make timely capitation disbursements to prevent this in future.
Until then, schools are in limbo, with resources stretched, suppliers frustrated and staff unpaid waiting for the financial storm to pass.