Funds Released To Schools for Term Two and Three

Finally, the Ministry of Education or rather the government has released money to schools to be used to pay Boards of Management (BOM) and non-teaching staff. This comes as a huge bailout for BOM teachers who have undergone many challenges during the ongoing COID-19 pandemic.

A number of heads of schools have confirmed to Teacher.co.ke that Treasury has deposited Sh. 3,725 for every student, to the operations accounts belonging to their respective schools.

“The funds have reflected on NEMIS. Now I have to hurry and ensure I do not leave my devoted BOM teachers and security guards and other non-teaching staff who did not quit their jobs despite not being paid,” said one of the principals.

The total amount given to schools has not been announced anywhere but Education CS Prof George Magoha told members of Parliament on Thursday that money has been set aside for running school operations.

The CS told Parliament that he asked for approval from the Treasury for money to be used to expand and equip schools prior to the scheduled January reopening of both primary and secondary schools. There was hope in the past couple of months of the reopening of tertiary institutions but it seems everything is pointing to all colleges and universities being opened next year too.

“Second term and third term funds were redirected to the COVID-19 Education Emergency Fund,” said CS Magoha.

Sh. 497.5 billion in the 2020/21 financial year was set aside. Sh. 54.4 billion of this will go to free secondary education while on the other hand Sh. 12.4 billion will be for free primary education. Sh. 2.1 billion will be utilized for building more classrooms and Sh. 6.5 billion will be used in hiring more teachers and to improve infrastructure. Prof George Magoha said that these funds are to be released to schools before reopening of schools next year.

“We will consider all options for the resumption of learning any time the infection curve flattens,” added the CS.

CS Magoha insisted that one on one learning for students with teachers can only begin when there is a decline in daily COVID-19 infections for a period of 14 consecutive days. “Regarding reopening, the decision might change as informed by prevailing conditions and increased knowledge of the novel coronavirus. The Ministry projects to an October peak in infections,” said Prof George Magoha.

“Arrangements for reopening of learning institutions will continue based on guidelines and checklists given by the Ministry of Health. However, the authority to reopen for face-to-face learning and research will follow the guidance from Health and Education Ministries based on the condition of preparedness.”

The Education CS also expressed a lot of concern regarding the worsening COVID-19 situation saying that colleges and university employees have been the worst hit. He also said that heads of institutions, councils, the board of management members, and key support staff members will be first to report to learning institutions.

CS Magoha also added that the government will facilitate the acquisition of facemasks, sanitizers, thermal guns, soap, and other items required to contain the virus. Institutions that have been converted to quarantine zones will be vacated and fumigation will be done two weeks or 14 days before reopening.

In the first days after reopening orientation of learners to health guidelines like appropriate social distancing, sanitizing when washing hands and correct use of masks, will be done. Academic and support staff will also report to school 14 days before reopening so as to be taught or made aware of the new rules.