Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha yesterday said Sh16.9 billion capitation is now in school accounts. Of the total funds disbursed, the CS said Sh14.2 billion has gone to high school and Sh2.7 billion to primary schools.

Since the  have received funds, the CS directed principals to desist from sending children home for school fees, saying that they should work out a means to pay for the balances.

“We want to urge very strongly the principals and head teachers to stop sending children back home for money. They can at least give parents a few more days to sort themselves out where they feel they must engage the parents,” said the CS when he inspected CBC preparedness at Hospital Hill School in Nairobi.

He urged the principals to be sensitive and patient with parents, whose children are in boarding schools since the first month of the term is still not over.

“I am aware that in Nyandarua, there has been a massive removal of children from schools and they must go back immediately because like I have told you, the money should have hit the accounts yesterday. So if they have started receiving, why are we starting to send children home?” Magoha said.

“Those who have not paid full fees can engage and ensure children are taken back to school. For the people in Nyandarua, my instructions are very clear for the teachers there, make sure you recall children you have sent home, this is not correct because you have money from government,” he added.

For Day schools, Magoha commended parents who have paid for the feeding programme but called for sharing with those who can barely afford as opposed to sending them home. Schools are expected to take a half term break at least by end of next week for about seven days, during which the General Election will be held.