Principals-Secondary schools close on Oct18th to budget issue.
Secondary school principals in Kenya, under the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), have raised concerns over a severe financial crisis that threatens to force schools to close earlier than scheduled. The looming shutdown comes as the government has failed to release the full capitation funds allocated for schools this year.
KESSHA has warned that without the remaining funds, schools may not be able to sustain operations, purchase crucial supplies, or pay staff ahead of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and other end-of-year examinations. As it stands, many schools have already prepared to close as early as October 18, 2024, a week earlier than the official closing date of October 25, 2024, to avoid further financial strain.
Inadequate Funding Allocation
The Free Day Secondary Education program under the government allocates Ksh 22,244 per learner per year for tuition. However, out of this, schools have only received Ksh 15,192 so far, and Ksh 3,850 of this is directed toward infrastructure development. This leaves schools with only Ksh 11,342 per learner to cover tuition and operational costs, which school heads say is insufficient given the rising enrollment and inflation.
The delay in releasing the remaining Ksh 6,000 per learner has pushed schools to the brink. Many schools are unable to pay for essential supplies like stationery, laboratory chemicals, and co-curricular activities. Salaries for staff hired by Boards of Management (BOM), along with utilities such as electricity and water, are also at risk of going unpaid. This financial shortfall has left schools grappling with debt, with some facing lawsuits from suppliers due to non-payment.
Principals Sound the Alarm
Willy Kuria, the KESSHA chairperson and principal of Murang’a High School, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “There’s already a serious financial crisis in schools, and it is not possible to complete the term if the remaining capitation is not released.” He expressed concern that school staff may go on unpaid long holidays if the funds are not released soon.
Principals across the country share similar concerns. A principal from Maralal Town revealed that their school has decided to close by October 18, 2024, except for KCSE candidates, as there are no funds to sustain the remaining students.
Misuse of Capitation Funds?
KESSHA has argued that a portion of the capitation funds is being improperly diverted to infrastructure development, which should instead be funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Ministry of Education’s Transition Infrastructure Grant. According to Kuria, “The capitation is purely for tuition and operations,” and diverting this money to infrastructure is hurting schools’ ability to function smoothly.
KESSHA is urging the government to release the remaining funds as soon as possible to allow schools to manage their day-to-day operations and adequately prepare for the critical KCSE exams.
Strain on School Operations
The capitation crisis has also led to concerns over the ability of schools to effectively manage the 2024 KCSE examinations and other end-of-year exams for other students. Without sufficient funding, schools cannot purchase the necessary materials or pay for administrative and operational costs.
“The debt burden in schools is getting out of hand,” warned Kuria. Many schools are already deep in debt, with some even facing legal action from suppliers. Others have reported that suppliers are reluctant to extend credit to schools, exacerbating the problem.
Conclusion
The early closure of secondary schools will affect thousands of students across Kenya, particularly those who are not sitting for KCSE exams. The financial strain that schools are experiencing highlights the critical need for immediate action from the government. KESSHA has called for the Treasury to release the remaining Ksh 6,000 per learner to ensure schools can continue operating through the end of the term and properly prepare for the upcoming exams.
If the situation is not resolved quickly, the education sector could face further disruptions, jeopardizing the quality of learning and the well-being of both students and staff.
