CS Machogu assured school representatives that the funds for schools would be disbursed tomorrow.
Schools are grappling with high food prices, no funds released from the government, and parents without the ability to complete fee payments. The high cost of living has affected every sector and the delay of disbursement is causing schools to increase the debts they have already. They threatened to send schools home after they have not received funds a month after the reopening of schools.
While being questioned by the MPs, he mentioned that the National Treasury had assured him of the availability of funds. The National Treasury would transfer the money to the ministry today. Then the money would thereafter be disbursed to schools tomorrow.
“I have received an undertaking from the treasury that our schools will get capitation funds… by the end of the week, “ Mr Machogu told the MPs
Delay in the release of funds to schools
The CS mentioned that the funds were supposed to be released last week, as per the promise he made to schools last Friday. However, these challenges occurred at the national treasury which in turn caused the delay.
One of the nominated MPs, Irene Mayaka, wondered how the government is planning to cushion the schools. The budget the schools drew up, was done last year in June. This budget did not account for the high-priced commodities that exist today and that continues to rise. She, therefore, wanted to know if the government would cushion schools since the capitation funds were the same but price commodities weren’t.
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She mentioned that prices of basic commodities such as rice, sugar, unga, beans, maize, vegetables, and meat had increased. These commodities are heavily used in schools and their increment in pricing is causing an increase in pressure on the schools.
In response to this, the CS suggested to schools that they should compare prices in the market with prices at KNTC. He mentioned that prices at KNTC were assured to be lower than the prices in the market. This way, the schools don’t have to buy products at market price but at a lower amount.
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