Public school head teachers across Kenya are growing increasingly frustrated due to long delays and insufficient funds from the government meant to keep schools functioning.
With learning already disrupted in several institutions, school heads are warning that, unless urgent action is taken, education services may grind to a halt.
Described by many as a crisis, some head teachers have disclosed that they received as little as Ksh87 from the widely publicized capitation funds recently distributed by the Ministry of Education.
One head teacher from Nyanza, who requested anonymity, described the situation as dire.
“I was informed that Ksh87 had been credited to the school account and have confirmed it. What can Ksh87 do? This effectively means there will be no school activities this term,” he said.
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The government, in a statement released on May 27, announced that Ksh22 billion had been disbursed to basic education institutions to help ease the worsening financial situation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba explained that the funds were allocated to ensure smooth running of public schools during the second term.
The funds were divided among different education levels, including Ksh11.6 billion for secondary schools, Ksh8.9 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, Ksh1.3 billion for Free Primary Education, and Ksh118.4 million for Special Needs Education.
However, Anne Karani, a head teacher in Nakuru, said schools are walking a financial tightrope, with students emerging as the real victims, as their right to quality education comes increasingly under threat.
Another head teacher from Kisumu County revealed that his primary and junior secondary school had received just over Ksh 4,000 to sustain operations for the whole term.
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“We are expected to manage a whole institution with a token. Our classrooms are crumbling—floors have holes, windows are broken, and Grade Seven pupils barely have any space. It’s not just difficult; it’s impossible.”
School leaders are now urging lawmakers to intervene and summon senior Ministry of Education officials for accountability.
“Let Parliament be made aware. Our learners and parents have rights. School heads have rights too. Budgeting is not about words—it requires actual funds,” one teacher emphasized.
Despite growing outcry, the government has partially shifted blame to schools and parents, citing “systemic failures.”
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Willie Kuria acknowledged that some schools had started receiving the funds.
“The government has shown goodwill by releasing the funds. Some schools have received them, while others are still waiting. I believe all learners will eventually benefit,” Kuria said.
Ben Orwasa, Director of Education in Siaya County under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), defended the government, citing issues with data management in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), soon transitioning to the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).
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“The government disburses capitation based on enrolment data from NEMIS. If a school hasn’t updated its records, underfunding is inevitable. No money intended for learners is withheld by the Ministry once released by Treasury,” he stated.
However, teachers argue that flaws in the NEMIS system are the main problem.
“In December, all learners were marked inactive or flagged red in NEMIS. The system was unresponsive for three months, and even after reopening in late March, it still wouldn’t accept updates for key grades. As we say, the Ministry ‘charmed’ the system, bypassing or ignoring real data.”
By Cornelius Korir
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