Tough new term calls for solid preparations

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

The third and final term of the academic year presents tough challenges for school heads and education officials.

The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) says only 74 per cent of the annual financial allocation to schools has been disbursed. As they reopen today, most public schools are reeling under a heavy debt burden.

Indeed, this significant funding shortfall is likely to compromise operations during this nine-week term, which is the shortest. The financial crisis is likely to hamper preparations for the national examinations and assessments, which are just around the corner.

The Ministry of Education has announced the release of Sh3,337 capitation per learner instead of Sh4,449, compounding the funding gap accumulated since the start of the year. Though the total annual allocation per secondary school learner is Sh22,244, this is never released in full. Each learner should receive Sh11,122 in Term One and Sh6,673 in the second term. Schools have received Sh16,565 against an anticipated total capitation of Sh22,244, resulting in a shortfall of Sh5,787 per learner. Of course, no school can sustain operations with this sum of money, and suppliers’ debts are piling up.

It is worse because of the transition to the competency-based education (CBE) programme, which has introduced specialised subjects requiring additional equipment, materials and teachers with specific skills. The institutions must procure materials for practical tests, which require the use of chemicals, laboratory equipment and other specialised resources, especially for the national examinations. Day schools, which rely 100 per cent on government capitation, are on the brink of a shutdown.

At this rate, school heads are expected to literally perform miracles to keep their institutions running. Mark you, they are not allowed to send learners home over unpaid fees.

Public secondary schools have accumulated a massive Sh22.5 billion deficit from withheld capitation in the first two terms. Education authorities must ensure that learning is not disrupted by providing adequate funds so that the millions of candidates sit their exams and assessments without any hitches.

Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.