Release free learning cash now, state told

Nairobi, Kenya: Secondary school heads are piling pressure on the Government to release this term's money for the subsidised secondary education. Meeting in Mombasa this week for their annual Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), the principals said only 10 per cent of the expected 30 of the money has so far been remitted to schools.

Speaking to the Standard on Sunday, several school principals said they would push for a lasting solution to the delayed fees release at the conference.

"Teachers are tired and we cannot allow the Government to repeatedly play around with the quality of education," said one of the principal from Nyeri County.

He said of the expected Sh3,200 per child, only Sh1,350 has been send.

Education Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang, however, said over Sh1,400 has been sent per child translating to some 16 per cent for the terms disbursement.

"We had requested for the remainder of the cash through supplementary budget II but it seems the money is not forthcoming," said Dr Kipsang.

The PS said for the last three years, there has been a challenge with the disbursement, which he said would soon be resolved. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary General Akelo Misori said the delayed release of the cash is causing anxiety in schools.

Kessha Chairman John Awiti said the money will be the main subject of discussion during this year's conference.