Challenges Facing Secondary Schools in Kenya: Delays in Government Funding and Fee Arrears

Secondary schools in Kenya are facing significant challenges due to delays in receiving government funding, leading to unpaid fees and strained operations. The national chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association, Willy Kuria, disclosed that despite promises of imminent fund releases, schools have not yet received 50 percent of the capitation due for the current term. This delay has resulted in schools sending students home over fee arrears, despite warnings from education officials.

Day schools, which heavily rely on capitation funds, are particularly affected, as they cater to the majority of students. Additionally, the adoption of eCitizen for fee payments aims to digitize the education system but has faced criticism from school principals for lacking stakeholder involvement and causing delays. Although Education Cabinet Secretary Machogu announced an increase in government capitation grants for public secondary schools, the challenges of unreleased funds persist, leaving schools struggling to manage their operations effectively. Kuria emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the education ministry to address these issues effectively.