Collins Oyuu, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), has urged the Kenyan government to prioritize the timely release of capitation funds for schools. Speaking in Migori County on Sunday, Oyuu highlighted the critical importance of these funds in the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. He emphasized that for the education reforms to succeed, schools must receive sufficient financial support on time.
Oyuu expressed concern that headteachers across the country are facing immense challenges in managing their schools due to delays in the disbursement of capitation funds. These financial delays have left many headteachers with no option but to borrow money to ensure the smooth running of their institutions. This, he noted, is not only a financial strain but also a significant source of stress for school administrators. Oyuu further pointed out that the delays in funding have contributed to mental health issues among headteachers, who are under pressure to ensure the continued operation of schools without the necessary resources.
The KNUT SG also called for the retention of the current headteachers in both primary and junior secondary schools, as recommended by the Presidential Taskforce on Education Reforms. He argued that the current leadership should be maintained to provide continuity and effective management in schools. Oyuu cautioned against any plans to replace these headteachers, particularly in the junior secondary schools, as such a move could disrupt the progress made so far in the education sector.
Oyuu’s remarks shed light on the broader issue of funding in the education sector and the urgent need for the government to address the delays in capitation funds. Timely and adequate funding is essential to ensure that schools are well-equipped to handle the demands of modern education and to support the mental well-being of headteachers who are often at the forefront of managing these challenges. Without proper financial backing, the success of education reforms like CBE remains uncertain.
