Schools face a financial crisis as they reopen on Monday, with principals warning that delayed government funding amounting to more than Sh18 billion could force closures, disrupt national examinations, and push them to seek financial support from parents.
According to the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), the Ministry of Education has failed to release full capitation funds for the first two terms, leaving schools heavily indebted and unable to pay suppliers, feed learners, or prepare candidates for exams.
Data from Kessha shows that in Term One, schools were allocated Sh11,122 per learner but only received Sh8,818, leaving a shortfall of Sh2,304. In Term Two, they were to get Sh6,673 per learner (30 percent of the annual allocation) but received only Sh3,471, creating a deficit of Sh3,202. Combined, the shortfall stands at about Sh18 billion.
Kessha national chairman Willy Kuria said schools now risk grinding to a halt unless funds are released by Monday. He noted that many public schools, especially day schools, closed early last term because they were “completely bankrupt.”
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Some principals, speaking to local media, warned that they may have no choice but to engage parents to plug the funding gap. “We are expected to feed learners, pay bills, and prepare candidates without a shilling in our accounts. If the government delays further, we will have to ask parents for support,” one principal said.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has also sounded the alarm, cautioning that early closures could disrupt preparations for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) scheduled for October 24–29 and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) set for November 3–21.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has admitted the government is grappling with a Sh64 billion backlog in pending bills, saying: “Schools are not receiving what is due to them. My priority is to ensure we get the funds in full before disbursement.”
Principals warn that unless the arrears are cleared immediately, schools will remain in crisis, and parents could be forced to step in to keep learning alive.
By Mercy Kokwon
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