By Charles Ojiambo
The delayed release of government capitation funds across the country has slowed down learning progress in schools. This comes as education stakeholders lament that there is nothing going on in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
The fears have been confirmed by Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) as its National Chairperson, Johnson Nzioka, has assured the stakeholders including parents as he downplayed the issue that although learning is going on well, there were a few challenges affecting the new form of education in the country.
Speaking during the 10th Western Region KEPSHA annual conference that entered its second day today at a Busia hotel, Nzioka urged the government to expedite disbursement of funds to primary schools in the country, warning that the delay may jeopardize learning.
“We are afraid that primary schools could be headed into financial crisis if the government does not disburse the capitation on time because as we speak now only 20 percent of the funds have been sent to schools without clear road map of expenditure.”
He also took issue with the government policy of transition, proposing a progression system where learners will move from grade one to nine without disruption.
His sentiments were echoed by other KEPSHA leaders led by Western region chairperson Andrew Omusale who expressed their commitment to ensure that the new curriculum succeeds.
“What we as teachers require is support from the government and other stakeholders otherwise, we are up to task and we are going to make the new education system a success.”
The three-day conference which brings together over two thousand head teachers from Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Kakamega Counties, will come to an end tomorrow, Saturday, March 18.
