Funding Delays Threaten School Operations as Final Term Begins

Public schools across Kenya reopened yesterday for the third and final term amid concerns over delayed government funding, which school heads warn could disrupt operations and preparations for national examinations.

The nine-week term, set to end on 24 October, is the most crucial in the academic calendar. It includes several national assessments, notably the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams for Form Four candidates starting on 3 November. Grade Nine learners will also take the inaugural Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment, while Grade Six and Grade Three pupils are scheduled to sit the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and the Kenya Learners Education Assessment, respectively.

These examinations are critical in determining students’ academic progression and placement. However, many schools are struggling due to the delay in capitation funds—government allocations intended to support school operations. Some institutions were forced to close early last term after depleting their resources, with day schools particularly affected due to their dependence on government funding and the absence of boarding fees.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured that funds will be released before the end of the week. Yet school leaders remain cautious, citing outstanding arrears. Willy Kuria, Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, said the government owes approximately Sh18 billion from the previous two terms. He added that schools are expecting 20 percent of the Sh22,000 capitation per learner for this term, warning that without it, institutions cannot function effectively.

Despite the financial strain, the Kenya Primary School Heads Association confirmed that schools have reopened as planned. Chairperson Fuad Ali says learning must continue and urged parents to ensure pupils attend regularly, given the term’s short duration. Parents’ representatives have also addressed concerns over school levies. Silas Obuhatsa, Chairperson of the National Parents Association, says that most charges were approved through the appropriate channels and should not be considered illegal. 

He also advised against sending pupils home over delayed payments, noting that many households receive their income later in the month. Teachers’ unions have criticised the Ministry of Education for the continued delays. James Torome, Chairperson of the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers, says funds should be disbursed at least a week before schools reopen. Hesbon Otieno, Deputy Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers, urges immediate action to avoid disrupting learning.

In marginalised areas, challenges are more severe due to a lack of teachers and poor infrastructure. Ndung’u Wangenye, National Secretary of the Kenya Teachers in Hardship Areas Welfare Association, calls on the Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry to prioritise staffing and increase support for under-resourced schools.