Magoha says all is set for reopening as schools receive Sh7.5b

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has assured all is set for schools to reopen for third term today, including release of capitation funds.

The CS last week said the government released Sh7.5 billion to secondary schools.

He also said the ministry has made a request to National Treasury for the release of a further Sh13 billion third term monies for secondary schools and Sh2.8 billion for primary, which should be available by the end of the week.

 “You will find that there is money in your accounts because we have wired Sh7.5 billion to secondary schools to ensure you get Covid-19 ready by today. We  will also walk with you through our field officers as far as we can,” the CS assured.

The CS said the government was supposed to give Sh15 billion last term but only gave Sh7.5 billion to secondary schools and this is the disbursement that has been prioritised.

Speaking yesterday, Magoha said schools are expected to be adequately prepared, by putting in place measures to adhere to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols.

“We do not want to hear any excuse that you have not been empowered to run schools.

I want to thank head teachers for having done an excellent job in the past and ensured that children are well taken care of,” said the CS.

Good time

However, Kenya Primary Secondary Heads Association acting Chairperson Johnson Nzioka urged the government to expedite third term disbursement, saying schools cannot work as expected if funds are not availed in good time.

“All head teachers are prepared to go back to school but there is still no money to run institutions. If there is no money in school accounts, there will be no payment of services required,” he said yesterday.

He said schools have contracted people to, for instance, install hand washing points and other services.

“Without money in schools, we will be in a very awkward position,” he added.

As far as boarding fees is concerned, Nzioka said parents should pay at least half of it for the sake of maintaining their children while in school.

He said modalities to clear the balances will be worked out between the school and individual parents as the term progresses but this arrangement should not take advantage of.