Embu schools face financial crisis

Many schools are facing financial crisis due to delay by the Government to disburse money for free secondary education.

According to several principals who requested anonymity, the situation is dire and their operations are almost coming to a standstill.

The schools heads said they had not received funds after they failed to beat the deadline in submitting details on the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).

Embu Deputy Governor David Kariuki and Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Embu branch Executive Secretary Josphat Kathumi said more than 40 schools had been affected by the Nemis issue, and were in serious financial constraints.

“The schools are stretched to the limit after enrolling more students due to the 100 per cent transition but with little money to operate. Several principals have expressed fear that unless the money is disbursed immediately, operations will be paralysed,” he said.

Kathumi said lateness in disbursing money compromises effective school operations and ultimately contributes to poor performance.

He said in many schools, support staff such as cooks and guards have gone for months without pay which has demoralised them.

Meanwhile, University of Embu Chaplain, Fr Joseph Kirimi, has called on the Government to fund schools for facility improvements.

Fr Kirimi spoke at the weekend during a fundraiser at Nguviu Girls Secondary School.