Revealed: School fees scandal amid looming shutdown

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the release of the 2024 KCSE results in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) Chairman Willie Kuria has raised the alarm over the dire financial challenges facing schools due to delays in the release of capitation funds by the government. Kuria has warned that without the disbursement of Sh48 billion by the end of the week, schools may be forced to cease operations.

Two weeks after reopening, many institutions are struggling with unpaid bills and disconnected utilities.

"We are at a crossroads. If action is not taken before the end of the week, schools will likely have to shut down," Kuria stated.

Kuria revealed that some institutions are already facing legal action over unpaid bills owed to suppliers.

"This is an emergency. Some schools have pending cases in court, threatening their relationships with suppliers over arrears running into billions of shillings," he added.

Despite assurances from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to release the Sh48 billion capitation as soon as last week no money has hit the schools' accounts.

Kuria attributed the crisis to shortfalls carried forward from the previous year, during which the government failed to fully disburse capitation funds.

PP2 students during a learning session on October 2, 2023. [File, Standard]

"Last year, schools received Sh15,244 per student instead of the expected Sh22,244. The shortfall of Sh7,000 per student was never paid, leaving schools with significant debts, including salary arrears," Kuria said.

He noted that these deficits have accumulated over the past five years to exceed Sh64 billion, creating a debt crisis that has paralysed many institutions.

"Schools owe millions in recurrent expenditure such as electricity, water, and stationery. Some have had utilities disconnected due to outstanding bills, and debts to suppliers continue to grow because payments are made in bits," Kuria added.

Last term, Kessha officials met with Mr Ogamba to discuss the rising debts and delayed capitation. However, Kuria expressed frustration at the lack of concrete solutions.

"The CS assured us he would do his best to ensure funds are disbursed but did not provide specific dates. It appears the issue lies with the Treasury," Kuria said.

The funding shortfall has forced some schools to send students home to collect fees, despite government directives prohibiting such actions.

A principal in Nakuru County described the decision as unavoidable: "We are desperate. What will students eat while in school? If they stay without resources, they will riot. Sending them home is the safer option."

On January 7, police intervened after the principal of St Anne's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi allegedly locked students out at night over unpaid fees. National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that officers resolved the situation and ensured the students were allowed back into the school.

The incident underscores the severity of the crisis, despite clear Ministry of Education directives instructing principals not to send students home for unpaid fees.

National Parents Association Chairman Silas Obuhatsa called on the government to act immediately: "This delay is jeopardising our students' futures. Education should be a priority, not an afterthought," he said.