Teachers say Finance minister ignored them

By Augustine Oduor

A cloud of discontent is hanging over the education sector as teachers accuse the Government of dishonesty even as it allocated Sh233 billion to the ministry.

They say the money to the sector may seem big, but claimed there is nothing to show for the teachers who will be tasked to enhance learning.

The teachers said the Government’s commitment to education is no longer trusted and termed the budgetary allocations as “mere proposal” of monies that may not be made available.

At the centre of the displeasure is the failure by the Treasury to send Sh7 billion free education cash to schools after Githae and his Education counterpart Mutula Kilonzo announced the release about two weeks ago. Sh1.85 billion was to go primary schools and another Sh5.15 billion for free day secondary education.

“If the Government cannot send this money to schools for children to continue learning, how are we supposed to believe them when they announce such big allocations?” asked Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Okuta Osiany.

Minister’s allocations

He said some of the public schools have already sent learners back home citing lack of learning materials due to lack of funds.

In his Budget statement, Githae announced that Sh8.3 billion has been set aside for free primary education and another Sh19.7 billion for free day secondary education.

He also allocated Sh3.4 billion for hiring of 10,000 of the 40,000 teachers requested by Teachers Service Commission and the ministry of Education.

Githae allocated Sh8.1 billion towards development of infrastructure and facilities in public universities and another Sh480 million for buying computers for schools.

Also allocated is Sh1.6 billion for support to Early Childhood Development, including employment of pre-primary teachers.