KNUT raises alarm after gov't allocates Ksh.188 capitation per learner for second term

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called for an immediate stakeholder meeting to streamline funding in the education sector following a circular allocating Ksh.188 to each primary school learner for the second term.

The circular, dated April 23 and signed by Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, outlines how the funds are to be used, with stakeholders raising concerns that the allocation is insufficient to support learning activities.

According to the circular, Ksh.5 per learner has been allocated for textbook maintenance, Ksh.15 for teachers’ guides and reference materials, and Ksh.40 for exercise books.

“This is a 48-page exercise book, one. How about the rest of the learning areas? Where will the learner get the rest of the exercise books? This in essence is telling parents of this country to dig into their pockets to support the learning of their children,” said KNUT Secretary General in Nyanza, David Obuon.

Parents also raised concerns over the allocation, warning that inadequate funding could negatively affect learners.

“Elimu ya watoto wetu sio kitu ambayo tunachukulia hivi hivi maana sio jambo rahisi ni swala nyeti maisha ya hawa watoto ya baadaye inategemea masomo ambayo wanapewa sasa,” said Zachary Nyamatari.

Primary schools have also been allocated Ksh.23 per learner for renovations, Ksh.7 for assessments and examinations, and Ksh.2 for science and technology.

Obuon criticised the allocation to science and technology, saying it undermines the government’s push for STEM education under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

“Today you are talking CBC, where science and technology has been the core. We are talking about STEM as a pathway. This is a mockery,” he said.

Another parent, Rachael Otundo, called for increased funding for the education sector.

“Enough resources should be allocated to the Ministry of Education because it is the core ministry for the purposes of growth,” she said.

The government currently allocates Ksh.1,420 annually to every learner under the free primary education programme, distributed in a 50:30:20 ratio across the three school terms.

The capitation is expected to increase to Ksh.2,300 annually per learner in the next financial year.