Confusion as schools close one week early for mid-term holiday

Basic Education PS Bellio Kipsang. [Samson Wire, Standard]

But their association chairman Silas Obuhatsa shied away from speaking for the parents.

"I have been invited to the heads conference and I do not want to be subjected to humiliation during the event," said Obuhatsa.

Some parents questioned the wisdom of sending children home early as the government had just released billions to schools.

"We feel betrayed by our association because they should be asking the hard questions on our behalf," said a parent of a city school.

Last week, the PS issued a circular indicating release of funds to schools and warning principals against sending learners home.

Kipsang had signed a circular indicating that funds had been disbursed to schools. In the circular, the PS indicated that the Sh24 billion was to clear the last tranche.

Kipsang also warned heads not to send learners home over school fees.

But a principal who sought anonymity said the government had issued some policies which affect the smooth running of institutions.

"When the ministry announced the release of funds, it is difficult to collect fees from parents. This complicates our work considering that the funds are not enough," said the school head.

Another teacher said they are using the opportunity to send learners for fees, noting that failure by the government to disburse sufficient funds informed their decision.

"We expected Sh21,945.55 for each learner to cover last quarter, 50 per cent of first term and 30 per cent for second term. This was like an insult."

Indimuli said he had raised the concern with Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, urging him to revert to the termly disbursement of capitation on 50:30:20 ratio.

"We don't operate in quarters as other government departments, our operations are on a termly basis," Indimuli said.