Governors have called on the National Treasury to prioritise the disbursement of capitation funds to schools for the smooth operation of learning institutions.
The Chairman of the Council of Governors Education Committee and Kericho Governor, Erick Mutai, said it was important to prioritise education during budget-making.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving ceremony at Kipsigis Girls Secondary School, where the Head of Public Service, Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei, was the guest of honour, Dr Mutai said governors were concerned by the delay in releasing the funds to schools.
"Capitation funds must be treated as a top priority by the National Treasury. Our schools cannot operate effectively when funding is delayed. Education should come first, before any other ministry receives its share," he stated.
Mutai also urged the government to increase funding for universities to support research and innovation, stressing that higher learning institutions need robust financial backing to drive national development.
"Without proper funding, our universities will fall behind in research. We must empower them to innovate and lead in knowledge creation," he added.
Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, who also attended the event, called for the immediate reinstatement of the government budget for national examination registration and invigilation.
She pointed out that the elimination of this budget has shifted the financial burden to parents, many of whom are unable to afford these costs.
"It is unfair to burden parents with examination fees. The government must immediately reinstate the budget for registration and invigilation so that every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to national examinations," Kemei remarked.
She further urged the Ministry of Education to ensure the consistent and sufficient distribution of sanitary towels to school-going girls.
"We call on the Ministry of Education to regularly and adequately distribute sanitary towels to our girls. It is a basic need that directly affects school attendance and dignity," Kemei stated.
In a related development, Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot dismissed the recent formation of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing it as a politically weak effort with little promise.
"The formation of the so-called Democracy for Citizens Party is a political sideshow. It lacks vision, leadership, and grassroots support. It will not survive the challenges of the 2027 elections," he declared.
