A teachers’ union official has called on the government to release capitation funds to schools promptly, warning that persistent delays are disrupting learning and placing unnecessary pressure on school administrators.
Narok KUPPET Branch Executive Secretary Charles Ngeno stated that many principals are operating under difficult conditions, struggling to meet the basic needs of students due to the delay in releasing capitation funds, which are intended to cater to essential operations, including teaching materials, utilities, and co-curricular activities.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Narok Central Secondary Schools sports competition held at Maasai Girls Secondary School, Ngeno said the late disbursement of funds is one of the major contributors to growing unrest in schools.
“Co-curricular activities are an essential part of the education system. When they are not facilitated due to a lack of funds, students feel neglected and demoralised, yet it is their right. This leads to frustration and, in some cases, unrest,” said Ngeno.
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He noted that head teachers are being forced to juggle multiple responsibilities without the financial support required to run schools effectively. In some cases, this pressure has had tragic consequences.
“Some school heads have died in the line of duty due to the stress and pressure associated with managing schools without adequate funding. It is unacceptable that schools are offering services, yet the money is not being availed on time,” Ngeno added.
He urged the Ministry of Education to streamline the release of the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) capitation funds, ensuring that schools receive the money at the beginning of each term to facilitate proper planning and implementation of programs.
Ngeno further called for an increase in the capitation amount to match the rising cost of living and the growing number of students in public schools.
“Timely and sufficient funding is not a privilege — it is a right. If we want our education system to thrive, the government must prioritise the financial health of our schools,” he concluded.
By our reporter
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