State releases free education money as schools reopen

Education PS Belio Kipsan'g Photo:Courtesy

The Government has released part of the Sh8.9 billion free education money as schools opened for third term this week.

Education PS Belio Kipsan'g said Sh2.5 billion has been sent to all primary schools and asked school administrators to check with the banks.

He announced that the remaining Sh6.4 billion meant for day secondary schools will be available to schools by Friday.

This was balance that schools needed to complete the financial plan for the year.

"Essentially what we are saying is that even with the prevailing challenges we expect schools to run smoothly," said Dr Kipsan'g.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) national chairman Kahi Indimuli termed as "a good show by the Government" the release of the monies by end of the week.

"I think they will have done very well because previously third term allocations spilt into the New Year. And I think this is a good show," said Indimuli.

He said the remaining portion of the second term balance was released last week, just before schools opened and noted that if the last tranche is released, schools will operate normally.

"The remaining second term balance helped our members assure suppliers that we are committed to pay our debts. And with planned release, we are good to go," he said.

He said if the Government plans free secondary education, it is good gesture to complete this year's allocations.

"Once they roll out free learning next year, all schools will have reconciled their books and paid all suppliers as a new slate is opened," said Indimuli.