The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a stern warning to the government, demanding the urgent release of capitation funds to schools or risk a premature shutdown by midterm.
Speaking in Eldoret, KUPPET officials led by chairman Omboko Milemba expressed concern over the financial strain schools are enduring as students gear up for national examinations. Milemba noted that the delay in releasing funds had already forced schools to close earlier last term, and the situation risks repeating itself.
“Schools have opened, but remember that last term they were closed early because of delayed capitation. Now, one week after reopening, we still don’t have the funds. This is the shortest and busiest term, with exams and other activities. We don’t want capitation delays as an excuse. That is why we are asking CS Mbadi to release the funds by Monday next week,” said Milemba.
He cautioned that without funds, schools may have no choice but to shut down at midterm.
The union also raised alarm over mismanagement of teachers’ health insurance contributions under the Social Health Authority (SHA). KUPPET gave the government a 21-day ultimatum to apprehend those responsible for alleged theft of billions from the scheme, warning that teachers may withhold remittances if accountability is not enforced.
“We cannot continue remitting money only for it to be looted. The minister must move with speed to arrest those responsible and bring them before the courts,” Milemba emphasized.
Parents and education stakeholders have voiced similar anxieties, with many worried about the ripple effect of insufficient funding on learning schedules and exam preparedness.
However, the Ministry of Education has sought to reassure the public. Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang confirmed that the ministry has been in talks with the National Treasury, with school disbursements prioritized this week.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has since announced that KSh 23 billion will be released to over 45,000 schools nationwide, a move expected to stabilize the education sector and ensure uninterrupted learning.
KUPPET, however, insists that timely disbursement must be guaranteed to prevent disruptions in the academic calendar.
