The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a stern warning to the government: release capitation funds immediately, or risk seeing schools shut their doors by midterm.
Speaking in Eldoret, union officials led by national chairman Omboko Milemba decried the financial paralysis in schools, barely a week after reopening.
“Schools have been opened, but remember that last term they closed earlier because we did not have capitation. Now, one week after opening, we still don’t have the funds,” Milemba said.
“This is the shortest and busiest term, with examinations and unrest. We don’t want capitation delays as an excuse. CS Mbadi must release the funds by Monday next week. If not, schools will close by midterm.”
The officials accused the National Treasury of neglecting its obligation to ensure schools run smoothly, noting that students preparing for national exams are the worst hit.
Health Insurance Standoff
KUPPET also fired a fresh salvo over the controversial SHA health insurance scheme, issuing a 21-day ultimatum to government to apprehend culprits behind alleged multi-billion shilling theft.
“We cannot keep paying money into a kitty where thieves are drawing billions. The minister himself knows where the money went. He should track the transactions, arrest the culprits and charge them. If nothing happens in 21 days, we will tell teachers to stop remitting,” Milemba warned.
Treasury Promises
The uproar comes as the Ministry of Education sought to calm nerves. Education PS Belio Kipsang confirmed talks with the Treasury had been concluded, with the government pledging to prioritise school funding.
Treasury CS John Mbadi further announced that KSh 23 billion will be disbursed this week to over 45,000 schools to avert a shutdown and cushion the struggling sector.
Still, with schools already reeling from last term’s premature closure, pressure is mounting on the government to make good on its word.
“This is not a luxury—capitation is the lifeline of public schools,” Milemba stressed.
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