Newly Reopened Schools Risk Closure

School headteachers have warned Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha of an impending closure due to the delay in the disbursement of Ksh15 billion funds to public schools.

This comes shortly after schools reopened on Monday, May 10. CS Magoha had initially promised that the funds would be released by Friday, May 14. Secondary schools were to receive Ksh13 billion while primary would get Ksh2.8 billion.

The school heads noted that they would be forced to send students with fees arrears home if the funds are not released.

An image of Teachers in a classroom with students in a secondary school

File

Further, teaching and non-teaching staff would bear the brunt as schools would resort to working with lean personnel as well as cut most operations.

Kenya Primary School Heads Association chairman Johnson Nzioka weighed in on the issue affirming that the cash crunch is likely to lead to the closure of more than 23,000 public primary schools.

“Primary schools have not received any funds so far since reopening yet we are expected to ensure that the Covid-19 protocols are observed in schools,”  Nzioka stated.

He pointed out that most headteachers were yet to pay creditors who have been demanding their pay since the previous term.

Nzioka urged the ministry to ensure the funds are released to avoid a financial crisis that would paralyze operations in all public schools. 

The news comes as Magoha had initially assured that the funds would be disbursed to cater to public schools and avert any crisis.

“We shall release the money to schools and therefore no one should try to cause panic or anxiety,” Magoha stated during the release of the 2020 KCSE exams.

He further pointed out that his ministry was keen to ensure that all schools would follow strict protocols – including the Covid-19 guidelines during the reopening of the third term. 

The CS added that adherence to the stipulated guidelines would ensure a smooth flow in the school calendar. 

Students during a lesson in class wearing masks

Kenyans.co.ke