National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has refuted claims that his ministry is responsible for the ongoing lecturers’ strike, instead attributing the crisis to misalignment between the Ministry of Education and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Speaking on a radio show on Saturday night, Mbadi explained that the stalemate had arisen from poor coordination between the two institutions, stressing that the Treasury had already met its obligations as outlined in last year’s agreement.
He noted that the government had honoured the pact signed with universities by releasing Ksh 4.3 billion through Article 223, later approved under the Supplementary Budget.
“In my view, the problem with the lecturers’ strike is not with the Treasury. The issue lies in the lack of understanding between the ministry and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). That’s where it needs to be resolved,” said Mbadi.
While acknowledging the magnitude of the issue, Mbadi said the administration must shoulder the inherited financial commitments, even as it collaborates with the respective ministries to determine the actual arrears owed to university staff.
“This is one government — a government that is continuing — and we have to deal with the baggage of the past. Let them, however, agree with the Minister of Education on how much is actually owing to them.”
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Turning to the issue of capitation, the Treasury CS reaffirmed that the government has been releasing funds in line with the agreed disbursement formula of 50 per cent, 30 per cent, and 20 per cent, but acknowledged that historical underfunding remains a challenge.
“However, there has been a persistent question about underfunding of capitation, and I have spoken about this before. Sometimes when I raise the issue, I don’t know whether people fail to understand me or choose not to,” he said.
Mbadi disclosed that the government had established that full capitation allocations had fallen short for nearly seven years. However, he assured that corrective measures were being implemented following President William Ruto’s directive.
He further emphasised that while the current allocations were being disbursed fully, the Treasury and the Education Ministry were working to regularise the actual figures to resolve recurring complaints from school administrators permanently.
“The truth is, the full amount of capitation required has not been provided for about seven years. We have identified this as a problem and are addressing it. The government is very clear on this — the President has given express instructions to me and the Minister for Education. We have already calculated and agreed on the actual amount needed. That amount will be factored into the budget to ensure capitation is released in full and at optimal levels,” he said.
By Joseph Mambili
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