KUPPET demands immediate release of capitation funds to schools

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) officials have called on the National Treasury to expedite the release of capitation funds to schools, or else schools will be forced to close at midterm.

Speaking in Eldoret, led by its chairman, Omboko Milemba, the KUPPET officials noted that schools are struggling due to a lack of finances as students prepare for the national examinations.

Milemba said last term schools closed earlier due to delays in the release of capitation, adding that the government has the responsibility of taking care of schools.

"If he doesn’t send, when schools will be breaking for mid-term, we will have to close the schools."

On health insurance for teachers, the officials issued a 21-day notice to the government to arrest the culprits said to have stolen SHA funds, or else they will ask teachers not to remit their contributions to the kitty.

"We cannot pay the money, and someone else is opening a tab, where he is picking up the money, billions and going away with it. We are giving the minister 21 days to catch the culprits, whom he says he sent the money to. This money was not sent at night; he sent it using a computer line so he could go there, pick up the money, arrest the people and present them before the court," he added,

When schools reopened this week, parents and education stakeholders were anxious due to insufficient funding, which led to the second term being cut short prematurely.

Despite the concern, the Ministry of Education maintains that a solution is in the works. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang confirmed that talks with the National Treasury have been held, prioritising the immediate release of school funds.

“We had a meeting last week with Treasury officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and PS, and we agreed that the top priority for the government this week is disbursement to schools,” Dr. Kipsang stated.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi echoed the commitment, announcing that KSh 23 billion will be released to over 45,000 schools nationwide to cushion the sector and support uninterrupted learning.