School heads in Nyanza are sounding the alarm over rising operational challenges following the government’s decision to reduce capitation grants for secondary schools.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Nyanza branch Chairperson George Opiyo, and Principal of Dr Aloo Gumbi Secondary School in Kisumu East, warned that the financial strain in many schools has intensified, with some already closing prematurely due to lack of funds.
“Most schools are closing early for lack of funds to keep students in school,” Opiyo lamented, expressing concern that the capitation cut could deepen an already fragile system.
The move by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to slash secondary school capitation from Ksh 22,244 to Ksh 16,900 per learner was revealed during a session with the National Assembly Education Committee last week. Mbadi defended the decision, citing overstretched government resources and surging student enrolment numbers that have outpaced fiscal capacity.
ALSO READ:
Ichung’wah assures of parliament’s support for school capitation resolution
However, school administrators argue that the true financial impact is far worse. According to Opiyo, after mandatory deductions for student insurance schemes, textbooks, and co-curricular activities, schools are left with barely Ksh 10,000 per student, a figure far below what’s needed to sustain educational services. He warned that many schools now face court suits for unpaid service provider debts.
“The reduction comes at a time when the cost of living is rising every day,” Opiyo noted, further cautioning that the employment of Board of Management (BOM) teachers who are often hired to address staffing gaps, was now at risk. He described the policy shift as “an unfortunate move,” calling on the government to provide tangible alternatives.
KESSHA Nyanza branch now wants the Ministry of Education to allow public institutions to introduce sanctioned levies as a temporary measure.
Opiyo proposed that schools be allowed to raise additional funds through parent support, citing increased willingness among communities to contribute via Parents Associations.
ALSO READ:
Governor Barasa hosts and flags off Kakamega teams for KSSSA nationals
However, this push comes in direct conflict with a June court directive barring public schools from levying any additional charges not approved by the Ministry of Education. The ruling instructed all heads of institutions to seek formal clearance before implementing new fees.
School heads are appealing for flexibility in policy to safeguard quality education. The association believes that allowing schools to locally mobilize support from parents could help avert looming disruptions in the academic calendar
Opiyo urged the government to lift the ban on levies so willing parents can support where the state cannot.
By Masaki Enock
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
