Principals send learners home amid delayed capitation

Bomet branch Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers(KUPPET) executive Secretary Paul Kimetto address the press. [File, Standard]

Barely three days after schools reopened for the third term, learners in Bomet have been sent home over unpaid fees following delays in the release of government capitation funds.

Bomet KUPPET Secretary General Paul Kimetto said principals are struggling to keep institutions running.

"It is a choice we never wanted to make. Principals have no option but to send students home for fees, no matter how little the balance. This will sustain and keep institutions running," Kimetto said.

A principal who sought anonymity said school heads are caught between government policy barring them from sending learners home and the reality of financial shortfalls.

ALSO READ: How ghost students and schools gobbled up Sh3.7b in capitation

"What will those students eat while in school? There is no money in the school account. If they stay, what will they eat?" he posed.

Parents have also voiced concern. Stephen Kosgei urged principals to avoid sending learners home and instead devise alternative ways of recovering arrears without disrupting learning.

"Continued absenteeism due to lack of fees is derailing performance and frustrating government efforts to improve academic standards. Many parents are battling high living costs and cannot pay on time," Kosgei said.

READ: Why capitation is the new lie at Education ministry

He appealed to teachers to be lenient, particularly with Form Four candidates, noting that most families depend on farming, which has been affected by failed rains and other calamities.

"The economic situation is bad, and we need to be each other's keeper. Let school heads engage parents and agree on payment plans," he added.