Sh7b capitation released to schools, colleges

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Secondary schools have received Sh6.6 billion being payment of capitation money for this term which ends in about a week.

Basic Education PS Julius Jwan said the money was the last tranche for secondary schools for the third term which ends on July 16.

Another Sh170 million has been sent to teachers’ colleges, according to details from the Ministry of Education.

Dr Jwan said another Sh172 million has been wired to special needs schools.

The government disbursed Sh7.5 billion when schools opened in May. At that time, Education CS George Magoha said more money would be released to schools by the National Treasury.

“We have made a request for an additional Sh13 billion for secondary schools and another Sh2.8 billion for primary schools’ capitation,” Magoha said.

He said if the money is released, it would help schools to plan for reopening in July.

“We hope that schools will be adequately prepared to put in place measures to adhere to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols,” said Magoha.

According to the revised school term dates, the present third term for Pre-Primary I and Pre-Primary II, Grade One to Grade Three, Standard Five to Standard Seven and Form One to Form Three learners ends on July 16.

The learners are expected to take one week break between July 17 and 25.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Presently, Grade Four pupils and those who sat the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination in 2020 are still at home waiting for the present learners to complete their third term.

All the learners will open schools for Term One under the 2021 academic year starting July 26. The 10 weeks term will end on October 10.

Secondary school heads who spoke to The Standard said the money released will go towards clearing debts accrued in the third term.

They argue more money should be sent to schools to facilitate reopening plans for July, when all learners report back.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Kahi Indimuli said with schools opening on July 26, proper planning is necessary.

“Schools will need the money to plan again to receive the children. We need to ensure health protocols are implemented and this will require adequate resources,” said Indimuli.

This came even as concern grew over increasing Covid-19 infections as the fourth wave is predicted to peak this month.

Parents and school heads who spoke to The Standard said July, when the virus is projected to peak, will be marked with heightened movement of students.

“We should not wait for the peak. Put all plans in place before that time so we do not have maximum impact,” said Nicholas Maiyo, the National Parents Association chairman.

Kessha chairman Kahi Indimuli. [John Muia, Standard]

Maiyo said some of the lock-down measures should be implemented gradually.

“We particularly take issue with bars because they are the super-spreaders, and the sooner stricter rules are implemented, the better,” said Maiyo.

The release of money is also a major relief to Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs) coming barely a month after the government rolled out fresh training for diploma teachers.

About 1,000 students were admitted to six TTCs across the country as teacher education reforms kick-off to anchor the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Only TTCs of Machakos, Thogoto, Baringo, Egoji, Migori and Shanzu will receive students from June 2 to start their first term under the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE).

Each college has been allocated 150-200 students for a start with more colleges expected to get students during the second intake in September.

The students already started their first term of 14 weeks, which will be followed by the regular calendar of training.

Under the new tuition regime, a diploma will be the minimum training level for all primary school teachers as the government rolls out plans for quality teaching and learning.