The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has warned that schools could be forced to send students home over a Ksh6,000 per-learner capitation shortfall as the third and final term begins.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

KUPPET says schools are currently receiving about Ksh16,000 per learner against the statutory annual capitation of Ksh22,244, leaving institutions struggling to meet their operational needs.

The union has warned that the funding gap could place additional pressure on parents as schools grapple with food, electricity, water, learning materials and other expenses during the demanding final term.

Speaking in Vihiga, KUPPET Executive Secretary Charles Otiende said the shortfall was increasingly being pushed onto parents, warning that school heads could have little choice but to seek additional fees to keep institutions running.

📌 What You Need to Know

“I want to tell the general public that the money sent to schools is Ksh16,000 and the deficit of Ksh6,000 is being pushed to be paid by parents,” Otiende said, adding that parents should not be surprised if some students are sent home to clear fee.

The concerns come as school heads and teachers report that the capitation received so far remains below the expected annual allocation, with schools accumulating debts to suppliers while struggling to finance essential services.

The government, however, maintains that it has released Ksh18.51 billion in Term Three capitation to public basic education institutions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has also warned schools against imposing unauthorised levies on parents.

KUPPET and school heads' associations have maintained that the amount reaching schools remains insufficient, with the unions saying the funding gap is particularly concerning during the final term when schools face increased costs linked to national examinations.

Otiende also announced that KUPPET members in Vihiga were being advised to withdraw from Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) duties until the council provides clear contracts and better remuneration for teachers undertaking examination-related work.

“We are advising our members to withdraw totally from any KNEC duties until KNEC gives us a clear contract,” Otiende said, accusing the council of subjecting teachers to unfair labour practices.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke