KUPPET Warns Schools Could Shut Over Delayed Capitation Funds

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has sounded the alarm over the delayed release of capitation funds, warning that schools may be forced to shut their doors before mid-term if the government fails to act swiftly.

Addressing the press on Sunday, August 31, KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba said the Treasury must ensure that funds are released by Monday, September 1, to avert disruptions. He noted that persistent delays have crippled school operations, leaving principals struggling to manage institutions effectively and denying learners access to quality education.

“In the first term, some schools closed earlier because there was no money. We insist that the government has a responsibility to release funds so that learners receive quality education,” Milemba said. “If there is no money by mid-term, then we shall be asking principals to close the schools.”

The union also raised concerns over the reduction of student capitation from Ksh22,200 to Ksh16,900. KUPPET is demanding that the allocation be restored and even increased to reflect the rising cost of running schools.

This warning comes barely a week after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi assured that the government would release Ksh23 billion to schools and additional resources to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Speaking on Monday, August 25, Mbadi confirmed that funds were being mobilised to plug gaps in education financing.

“We have sat with the education ministry to assess the shortfall, and under the president’s instruction, we are working to address it. Tomorrow, we are releasing Ksh17 billion and Ksh5.9 billion for examinations, alongside more for HELB,” Mbadi said.

Despite these assurances, KUPPET insists that immediate action is critical, warning that continued delays risk plunging schools into a full-blown crisis, disrupting the academic calendar and jeopardising the future of millions of learners.