Kenya Pledges KSh23 Billion to Avert School Funding Crisis

Kenyan public schools reopened on Monday for the nine-week third term, but many institutions are grappling with a cash-flow crunch after the government again delayed capitation payments. The shortfall has led some head teachers to impose extra levies despite the policy of free basic education, intensifying financial pressure on households already stretched by back-to-school costs. At ABC Muvuti Girls Secondary School in Machakos County, Form Four candidates were kept outside the gate for failing to clear additional tuition and development fees. Similar scenes were reported elsewhere as administrators cited mounting debts for utilities and supplies. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the ministry has held talks with the National Treasury and that funding is now a top priority. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed that KSh 23 billion will be released to more than 45,000 schools by Friday to stabilise operations and keep learners in class. Parents’ and teachers’ groups warn that any further delay could disrupt preparations for national examinations scheduled later this term. They are urging the government to enforce the ban on unauthorised charges and to establish a predictable timetable for future capitation disbursements.