Tough guidelines issued on junior high funds

An integrated class session at Nyamachaki Primary School in Nyeri, February 2023. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Strict directives have been issued by the government on how funds disbursed to Junior Secondary Schools should be utilised.

The government disburses capitations to schools in three trenches in a year, where the first term receives 50 per cent, second term 30 per cent while third term 20 per cent.

Last week, the government disbursed the money to schools which is part of the Sh9.6 billion as capitation to all learners in public junior high schools across the country to finance their fees.

Heads of the institutions have been warned to strictly spend the money within the approved and laid guidelines.

According to a circular dated April 14, 2023 and sent to all county Director of Education, Education PS Dr Belio Kipsang says all heads of institutions have the obligation to ensure prudent use of the funds and will be responsibly accountable for the utilisation of the funds in their schools.

"All stipulated accounting procedures and other necessary measures, including cost-savings, must be adhered to by all schools at all times," he said.

He urged schools to ensure learner's details are entered into their data on the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) which will be used to disburse the funds.

The PS further said schools must submit returns to the Ministry of Education through the County Director of Education indicating receipts of the money signed by all students in the school against the amount of capitation received.

The list should indicate the admission number of each learner and full name as indicated in the school admission register.

Additionally, all spending should be accompanied by an expenditure voucher with each student issued with receipt of every transaction spent.

"Junior Secondary Schools may not enter into financial contracts like hire purchase or bank loans without the express written approval of the Cabinet Secretary in line with Section 18 of 4th Schedule of the Basic Education Act 2013," reads part of the statement.

The disbursed money is allocated in two school accounts under tuition and Operation Account vote heads.

In the disbursement, each student is entitled to Sh7,268 which includes Sh4,843 on tuition while operation expenses will take Sh2,425.

However, the PS said some schools did not receive the funds blaming it on conflicting characteristics provided by the schools urging the affected schools to put records straight to receive the funds.

The letter which was copied to the Cabinet Secretary, Teachers Service Commission CEO, Director and Schools Audit Services highlights the magnitude of the directive.