The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet Executive Secretary Desmond Langat has warned county officials against illegal taxation of public schools.
Langat further issued a clear directive to all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) in the county not to release any funds until a formal, signed circular is issued by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education.
Langat’s warning comes after reports emerged that county officials were demanding additional levies from schools that far exceed the government’s official allocations.
According to Langat, the situation has reached a tipping point where learners’ funds are being siphoned under the guise of legitimate school contributions.
In Bomet’s junior schools, county authorities are reportedly asking for Ksh150 per learner. Langat has highlighted a glaring inconsistency whereby only Ksh 100 per learner had been officially allocated and a further Ksh 250 per learner had already been withheld at the county level from the capitation grant.
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“If you have already taken Ksh250, why are you coming back asking for another Ksh 150 that wasn’t even allocated?” Langat questioned.
He added that the situation is even more critical in primary schools as the government allocates Ksh17 per learner, yet officials are reportedly demanding Ksh 90, leaving school heads scrambling to fill a Ksh73 gap per child.
According to Langat, this often forces principals to divert funds from essential school operations, potentially affecting teaching and learning.
The Executive Secretary stressed school heads should not give in to county officials demands so that learners’ money is safeguarded from corrupt practices.
“This is a corruption scheme targeting learners’ resources, and we will not let it continue quietly,” Langat warned.
He further assured the school heads that the union would stand behind them should they face pressure or intimidation for refusing to comply with these illegal demands.
Langat’s stand has been widely praised by teachers across Bomet County. Many see it as a bold and necessary move to defend public education and restore transparency in school funding.
By Our reporter
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