By Roy Hezron
Each student in all public secondary schools will get Sh.5000 for projects under Maintenance and Improvement Fund (M&IF) in the 2020/2021 financial year.
Schools have already received Sh.2000 this month, with the remaining balance expected to be released in this financial year.
Education Ministry Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang said the remaining funds will be used for infrastructure development in the circular dated January 14, 2021.
He instructed all Regional, County and Sub-County Directors of Education that the fund will cover construction and repair of classrooms, laboratories, sanitation facilities, dormitories, dining halls and procurement of chairs, desks and laboratory stools.
“Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and Maintenance and Improvement Fund (M&IF) should not be used for other purposes except the authorized projects,” said the PS.
He said no school will be allowed to begin a project before approval from relevant authorities.
Schools that get Sh5 million will seek approval from the County Director of Education, those getting Sh5 million to Sh10 million from the Regional Co-coordinator of Education and those getting Sh10 million and above from the Ministry headquarters.
“Approval for continuing/extension of projects should be subject to provision and submission of Public Works structural Engineer’s report on the viability of existing project coupled with its funding history,” said the circular.
Before starting the project, school principals and the Board of Management should have a letter forwarded by the County and Sub-County Director of Education.
It should be accompanied with a clear statement on whether the project would be full contract or labour based and the appropriate Bill of Quantities.
Also attached are Minutes of School Infrastructure Committee (SIC) and BOM, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical drawings where applicable and bank statement showing availability of funds in the School Infrastructure Account.
