Government allocates 9.6 billion capitation funds for JSS
The Government of Kenya has revealed that it will provide Kes. 9.6 Billion Capitation funds for Grade Seven learners under the Competence-Based Curriculum.
Capitation is disbursed in three tranches; 50% for the first term, 30% for the second term and 20% for the third term.
According to the national treasury, a Kes. The 5.7 million Requirements will be considered for the second term in supplementary estimates.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education Dr Belio Kipsang revealed this when he appeared before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Education and Research. The Committee is chaired by Tinderet Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Melly.
Kipsang warned headteachers against charging illegal and extra fees, saying they should stop since it was impunity of the worst form.
Further, the PS reiterated the government’s commitment to punishing those who flout the directive.
“You do not dare the government and get away with it,” he said.
Members of the committee earlier expressed their concerns over the headteachers across the country imposing illegal levies on parents whose children had joined junior secondary school.
According to Melly, some headteachers charged as high as Kes. 8,000 for Grade Seven children.
Dr Kipsang suggested that budgetary allocation on the Free Day Secondary Education programme be based on capitation per child instead of block funding.
In his view, the government’s 9.6 billion capitations for Grade 7 learners in Junior Secondary Schools is a crucial boost to schools.
The capitation will enable learners to receive a quality education without having to pay any illegal and extra fees. The government’s commitment to doing away with illegal levies in schools is a commendable move and will enable parents t have a clear understanding of their financial obligations to their children’s education.
Basing allocation of funds n capitation per child will ensure that quality education is provided to children regardless of their socioeconomic background.
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