Stakeholders decry low, delayed school funding

Education stakeholders led by UASU Secretary General Constante Wesonga (centre) rally during a one-day workshop at the KICD in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Inadequate funding of learners, delayed capitation in schools and bad education policies continue to affect the delivery of quality education in the country.

Education stakeholders say this challenge has resulted in the commercialisation of education forcing parents to bear the burden.

They are now demanding enhanced capitation in all levels of education in the country to fund learners' education.

However, the funds should come timely in order to meet the demands and expectations of schools.

Additionally, teachers' security should be a priority on the government agenda for effective service delivery.

Speaking during a one-day workshop at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Constante Wesonga said schools are struggling to retain learners.

He said school heads are under pressure to facilitate learning in school even with delayed funding.

''You want the teachers to die because of funding? They are walking frail and some commit suicide and the following day, the employer, TSC, will replace them,'' he stated.

He blamed the government for sending learners to schools without funds which results in a stretch of facilities.

"The ministry sent you students, how do you feed them since no money has come in a month," he stated.

Wesonga further observed that boarding school managers are exploiting teachers and called for a policy review to arrest the situation.

"High demand for education, inadequate public schools and unregulated regulations has led to an increase in private schools," he said.

He said with an enhanced budget, the Teachers Service Commission will be in a position to employ more teachers to solve the current teacher shortage.

''It is true that we have a teacher shortage. This can only be addressed if we have enough funds to ensure we have a better future for our children,'' he stated.

With adequate funding, the Ministry of Education will also empower the Quality Assurance and Standards Department to enhance monitoring and regulation of schools.

Wesonga wondered why the government sent learners to universities without providing funds to the institutions which has brought confusion in tertiary education.

Also, the stakeholders want the government to ensure enough learning institutions are established in far-flung areas and informal settlements.

Wesonga also urged the government to ensure they provide access and equitable education to all citizens.

He said the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) assessments have become expensive to administer.

"Pre-primary learners have been allocated Sh1,170 per pupil. Out of this, learning materials is allocated Sh13. The examination download has several pages," he said.

Kenya Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa said schools have resorted to passing the burden to parents.

"This allocation is not enough to sustain the education sector given the fact that the population has outgrown the available infrastructure and the 100 percent transition policy by the government," he said.