MoE Fails to Release Capitation Funds Again, Principals in Panic
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has once again failed to release school capitation funds on time, leaving secondary school principals in a state of uncertainty and desperation. The financial situation is not only affecting school operations but also pushing some principals to consider resigning from their posts due to the pressure.
Funding Shortfall to Shut Down Schools
A four-year audit by Education News has revealed a consistent decline in capitation disbursements, leaving many secondary schools struggling to survive. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) in its latest report titled Operational Crisis in Schools highlighted the funding gaps and the impact on school management.
According to the report, the government is supposed to disburse Ksh 22,244 per student annually. However, the actual amounts received have been lower:
- 2021/2022 Financial Year:Â Schools expected Ksh 17,742 per student but only Ksh 11,039 was received. MoE retained Ksh 6,752.
- 2022/2023 Financial Year:Â Schools received Ksh 9,701 instead of Ksh 17,339. MoE reportedly withheld Ksh 7,637.
- 2023/2024 Financial Year:Â Government released Ksh 16,153 but only Ksh 10,523 reached school accounts.
Principals Under Pressure as Schools Face Legal Threats
With dwindling funds, school heads are under intense management pressure. Many are struggling to pay suppliers who have issued threats of legal action. Subordinate staff salaries are also delayed, causing distress among employees.
“The principal’s seat is no longer a comfortable center of administration; it has become a thorny burden,”said one school head.
Some principals are now considering stepping down to go back to teaching rather than deal with the financial crisis.
KESSHA Warns of School Shutdowns
KESSHA Chairman Willy Kuria warned that unless the government addresses the funding delays immediately secondary schools will shut down.
On the other hand, State Department of Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang has always assured that the government will release capitation funds on time but schools are suffering due to unfulfilled promises.
Way Forward: Government Must Act Now
Principals are thinking of resigning and schools are struggling to stay open, the Ministry of Education must release the full capitation funds now. If this is not done immediately, Kenya’s secondary education system will collapse and affect thousands of students and school staff.
The question is: Will the government act before it’s too late?