Frustration is mounting among public school headteachers across the country as they contend with severely delayed and grossly inadequate government disbursements intended to sustain school operations.
With learning already disrupted in several institutions, school heads are warning that, unless urgent action is taken, education services may grind to a halt.
Described by many as a crisis, some headteachers report receiving as little as Sh87 from the much-publicised capitation funds recently released by the Ministry of Education.
A headteacher from Nyanza, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as dire:
“I was informed that Sh87 had been credited to the school account and have confirmed it. What can Sh87 do? This effectively means there will be no school activities this term,” he stated.
On Monday, the government announced the disbursement of Sh22 billion in capitation funds to basic education institutions facing an escalating financial crisis.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the funds were intended to support smooth operations in public primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools during the second term. “The Government has today released Sh22,028,911,191.40 as capitation for Term Two for learners in all public basic education institutions,” said Ogamba.
The allocation was distributed as follows: Sh11.6 billion for secondary schools, Sh8.9 billion for Free Day Junior School Education, Sh1.3 billion for Free Primary Education, and Sh118.4 million for Special Needs Education.
However, Anne Karani, a headteacher in Nakuru, said schools are walking a financial tightrope, with students emerging as the real victims, as their right to quality education comes increasingly under threat.
A headteacher from Kisumu County echoed concerns, revealing his primary and junior secondary school had received just over Sh4,000 to run operations for the entire term.
“We are expected to manage a whole institution with a token. Our classrooms are crumbling—floors have holes, windows are broken, and Grade Seven pupils barely have any space. It’s not just difficult; it’s impossible.”
Headteachers are urging Parliament to summon top Ministry officials for questioning.
“Let Parliament be made aware. Our learners and parents have rights. School heads have rights too. Budgeting is not about words—it requires actual funds,” another teacher said.
Despite growing outcry, the government has partially shifted blame to schools and parents, citing “systemic failures.”
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Willie Kuria confirmed some schools had begun receiving funds.
“The government has shown goodwill by releasing the funds. Some schools have received them, while others are still waiting. I believe all learners will eventually benefit,” said Kuria.
Ben Orwasa, Director of Education in Siaya County under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), defended the government, citing issues with data management in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), soon transitioning to the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).
“The government disburses capitation based on enrolment data from NEMIS. If a school hasn’t updated its records, underfunding is inevitable. No money intended for learners is withheld by the Ministry once released by Treasury,” Orwasa said.
However, teachers argue system failures in NEMIS are the real culprit.
“In December, all learners were marked inactive or flagged red in NEMIS. The system was unresponsive for three months, and even after reopening in late March, it still wouldn’t accept updates for key grades. As we say, the Ministry ‘charmed’ the system, bypassing or ignoring real data.”
By Mike Kihaki
