MPs Slam Education Ministry Over Delayed Festival Funds as Schools Struggle to Support Learners
Schools across the country have been forced to organize impromptu fundraisers to send learners to the ongoing Kenya Music Festival, following delays by the Ministry of Education in releasing facilitation funds.
In a heated debate in the National Assembly, Members of Parliament sharply criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba for what they termed as neglect and failure to plan adequately for the national event.
The lawmakers said the Ministry’s delay not only disrupted preparations but also forced schools to seek last-minute support from parents, communities, and well-wishers. They accused the Ministry of failing to communicate when funds would be disbursed or how much would be allocated.
“This is not a new event. It’s planned every year, yet schools are still desperately fundraising just to attend the national festivals,” said Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, who also chairs the National Assembly Education Committee and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
He added, “The Ministry has not communicated how much money is being sent, when it will be sent, or if it will all be sent. The Cabinet Secretary owes this House and the public a clear explanation.”
In response, CS Ogamba admitted that the funds were inadequate and blamed delays on disbursement challenges from the National Treasury. He revealed that public primary schools receive just Ksh76 per learner per year for co-curricular activities under the Free Primary Education programme, while secondary schools receive Ksh1,500 per learner under the Free Day Secondary Education scheme.
“The high cost of national representation strains school budgets, and delays in disbursement by the Treasury affect timely facilitation, forcing schools to bridge funding gaps,” said Ogamba.
He explained that while schools are expected to use the annual capitation for such activities, the funds are not specifically set aside for events like the music festival or ball games.
“The Ksh76 and Ksh1,500 allocations are not ring-fenced. Schools are expected to budget based on their capacity and the events they plan to take part in,” the CS noted.
He also added that the Ministry retains part of the capitation, Ksh40 for primary and Ksh500 for secondary school learners, to support coordination at sub-county, county, and regional levels.
Despite his explanation, MPs insisted the Ministry must do more to support learners, especially during national events that promote talent, culture, and creativity in schools.
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