Explained: Why Secondary Schools Closed Early For April Holidays

 

Secondary school principals have explained why their schools closed a week earlier than planned.

The principals say the Sh16 billion capitation grants under the Free Day Secondary School education programme were insufficient, just a week after the government disbursed them.


The principals, through the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, claim that their schools are unable to procure adequate learning materials, pay staff salaries, pay existing debts, submit third-party deductions, or pay bills such as water and electricity.

 “That is why we have closed schools as early as possible. But the situation is critical in day schools because they fully depend on capitation to run the schools,” said Kessha National Chairman, Mr Willy Kuria.

Some schools closed as early as last week due to the financial woes. However, some are set to close before Friday this week.

The association further accused the Ministry of Education of retaining some funds leaving schools to struggle to stay afloat.

Mr Kuria, who is also the principal of Murang'a High School, urged the Ministry of Education to allow Boards of Management to manage capitation based on the needs of individual schools.

Last week, the National Government allocated Sh30.5 billion to secondary school education capitation, loans, and scholarships for university students.

The funds have been released as secondary school principals prepare to close for the April holidays a week earlier than planned due to the financial crisis that has plagued learning institutions across the country for months.

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu stated that Sh7 billion will cover capitation for public schools at the junior secondary level, while Sh16 billion will cover capitation grants under the Free Day Secondary School education programme.

“The funds are to be received in schools before they close for the April Holidays next week. This brings to Sh32 billion and Sh12 billion the total amount released by the government for loans and scholarships respectively this financial year,” said the CS in a statement.