Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has told secondary school principals not to send students home over delayed government capitation. He spoke at the Eldoret National Polytechnic during the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principals’ quarterly meeting, where he assured that the Ministry of Education is working with the National Treasury to release the remaining Ksh14 billion in first-term capitation funds next week.
“It’s not the parents who pay the fees; it’s paid through capitation from the government. We are doing everything possible to ensure the balance is paid, hopefully by next week. A team from the Ministry is in the Treasury to see if there’s enough resources so that capitation can be released,” he said.
Ogamba said the government is working on a long-term solution to ensure capitation funds are released on time to avoid future financial challenges for schools and students.
University Funding Model Under Review
On the issue of the university funding model, the CS said a presidential review team appointed by President William Ruto is finalizing its report. He said the team has looked into the concerns raised by Kenyans and the court cases.
“Once the report is out, we will discuss to ensure that the recommendations and solutions to the previous model’s challenges are fully incorporated. Our goal is to have a funding model that is inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
He added that the findings will be implemented before the new university students report in September so that the new funding framework is effective.
Call for Integrity in Public Institutions
The CS also asked public institution leaders to uphold professionalism and integrity in governance. Accompanied by Eldoret Polytechnic Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech, Ogamba emphasized the importance of good leadership in maintaining institutional stability.
“We want people to do their work without exceeding their mandate. There should be no interference from boards into management affairs. Institutions must operate within their boundaries to run smoothly,” he said.
He warned that any cases of mismanagement, political interference or integrity breaches in public institutions will be dealt with firmly. “Integrity and good leadership are not negotiables. If any board members, principals, vice-chancellors or chairs fail in their responsibilities or misconduct, we will take tough action. Our institutions are bigger than any individual,” he told.
TVET to Absorb Unemployed Youth
On TVET, Ogamba said the government will increase opportunities for youth to join TVET. He said they will absorb a substantial chunk of the 3.5 to 4 million young people who are unemployed or not in formal education.
This comes at a time when there are financial constraints in schools and universities and we need to have a structured and sustainable education funding model in Kenya.