By Rosemil Oduor
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has revealed that the government has disbursed Shs 19.9 billion to schools ahead of the beginning of a new academic year.
Speaking at Pangani Girls High School during the 12th Annual Regional Education and Leadership Congress for Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship beneficiaries, the CS revealed that Shs 16.9 billion has been sent to secondary schools while Shs 3 million has been sent to primary schools.
The government allocates Shs 1430 and Shs 22,240 per learner in primary and secondary schools respectively.
“The funds will be in school bank accounts by next week on Tuesday,” the CS said.
He further warned school heads not to send learners home for school fees adding that principals who will disregard the Ministry’s directive will face severe disciplinary actions.
Parents with children in national schools are required to pay Shs 53,554 annually while those with children in category B boarding schools and extra county schools pay Shs 40,535. The parents currently pay Shs 45,000 in national schools and 35,000 in extra county schools as part of the government’s initiative to cushion the parents against the adverse effect of Covid-19.
Present during the event was Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi who said that needy but bright children seeking scholarships can apply through the bank’s portal.
“The bank will award 2,000 comprehensive four year secondary scholarships countrywide,” he said.
He revealed that since its inception, the Wings to Fly scholarship programme has benefitted 20,000 students.
