The Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has rolled out stringent accountability and reporting measures governing the disbursement and utilisation of Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) funds, in a move aimed at tightening financial discipline and improving transparency in schools.
In a directive issued to all County Directors of Education, the ministry confirmed that Ksh60 per learner has been allocated to CEMASTEA under the tuition account for Capacity Building (SMASSE), while Ksh225 per learner has been retained from the operations account to support centralized co-curricular programmes.
The PS further outlined how the released funds will be utilised, indicating that Sh994 per learner is earmarked for teaching and learning materials, Ksh1,000 for maintenance and improvement of school infrastructure, Ksh300 for medical insurance coverage, and Ksh450 for co-curricular activities.
To strengthen accountability, Prof. Bitok directed all principals to issue official receipts for both tuition and operations accounts addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, with copies forwarded to sub-county and county directors of education.
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The school heads are also required to acknowledge receipt of funds through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) by uploading scanned copies of the official receipts.
In addition, the memo introduces strict documentation procedures requiring learners to sign official lists indicating their admission numbers and full names as per the school register, alongside the amounts allocated. These lists must be attached to payment vouchers and properly retained in school records.
Prof. Bitok warned that all schools must comply with the directives within two weeks of receiving funds, cautioning that failure to do so will result in suspension of future grant disbursements. Schools that fail to acknowledge funds within the set timelines will also be excluded from subsequent FDSE allocations.
The ministry has further directed county and sub-county education directors to verify enrolment data in all institutions.
Schools found to have reported lower enrolment figures than those used in the allocation process will be required to refund excess funds to the government.
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All communications from school heads have also been instructed to include the Unique Institutional Code (UIC) to improve tracking and record management.
On healthcare matters, the PS called on school administrators to use their institutions as platforms for supporting the ongoing registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He urged schools to sensitise parents and ensure all learners are enrolled in the universal medical scheme, terming it a key step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage in line with constitutional requirements.
By Our reporter
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