Urgently solve funding crisis of public schools

Schools reopened several weeks ago for the first term of the new academic year but all is not well. Despite promises by the government to release funds to the public schools, head teachers and their teams, workers and learners find themselves in a precarious situation. 

Many of the institutions are unable to provide the most basic needs, including food, sanitation facilities, and learning materials.
It has become so bad that some school heads have kept away to avoid the shame of the suffering children. They also have to dodge suppliers who have been camping at their offices daily since last year.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba says the funds for the free day secondary school education were released on Wednesday. However, the head teachers have denied receiving any money, without which the schools cannot carry out their operations. 

According to CS Ogamba, the Treasury released Sh19 billion out of the Sh48 billion it had pledged, which is 50 per cent of the capitation due to the schools in this academic year. The balance should be disbursed within two weeks. He is, therefore, urging the heads not to send the learners home for lack of funds.

Salary arrears

In some schools, teachers hired by the boards of management and subordinate staff are on go-slows due to salary arrears dating back to late last year.

Most of the schools have no books, chalk and other essential materials. Their water supply and electricity have also been disconnected due to unpaid bills.

As a result, the schools have no option but to send the learners home. Running schools without funds has become a nightmare.

For the benefit of the learners, the Education ministry should, in consultation with the National Treasury and with support from the highest office in the land, which is the presidency, ensure the timely release of adequate funds to the schools.