Release capitation funds to end woes in schools

Grade six pupils follow through rice cooking practicals and process at Mully Children's primary school in Matuu, Machakos County on October 05,2022 in preparation of their final exams to Junior secondary education. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

School principals have warned that they will increase school fees and drop some school activities due to financial constraints. The head teachers have complained about the high prices of foodstuffs and failure by the government to remit capitation money in full, and in good time. According to the principals, the government is yet to give schools full capitation for 2021 and 2022. Schools only received Sh17,000 and Sh18,000 per student in 2021 and 2022 respectively, yet each student is supposed to get Sh22,240.

The government has consistently warned head teachers against charging tuition and increasing school fees. Kenya gazette notice number 15555 of March 11, 2015 directs parents to pay Sh53,554 (national schools) and Sh40,535.00 (boarding schools) while the government pays Sh22240. Increasing school fees at this time would be a burden on parents already ravaged by the effects of Covid-19 and a poor economy that has eroded their earning and purchasing power.