Education stakeholders have raised the alarm over possible disruptions in this year’s national examinations, citing delays in government capitation to schools.
With less than two weeks to the start of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), school heads and teachers’ unions have warned that many institutions are struggling to sustain operations due to inadequate funding.
Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) chairperson Fuad Ali revealed that only a few schools had received the required funds for the third term. “As of today, many schools have not received government capitation apart from a few. A big percentage of schools are still waiting,” he said.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) echoed similar concerns, warning that the delay could affect exam administration. Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima noted that the shortage of funds was already impacting preparations for KCSE practicals and other essentials.
“What was supposed to be remitted this term has been delayed in most schools. This will affect the administration of exams seriously,” said Nthurima, adding that the shortage of chemicals for science practicals and food for learners could cripple school operations.
The concerns come just weeks after President William Ruto directed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Treasury CS John Mbadi to align the capitation disbursement with the school calendar to prevent such delays.
Ruto had earlier admitted that the mismatch between the financial year, which begins in July, and the school calendar has been the main cause of delayed funding. “There is a problem in the capitation release. I am instructing the Ministers of Education and Finance to sit down and align this,” he said.
