The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) in Garissa has urged the government to urgently release capitation funds and revive the school feeding programme, warning that learning in the region is facing serious disruption.
Speaking in Garissa town on Saturday, branch executive secretary Abdirizack Hussein said the delayed disbursement of funds has strained operations in both primary and junior secondary schools.
“School administrators are struggling to keep institutions running. How can they manage without funds, water, or food? They cannot buy teaching materials, support administration, or maintain infrastructure,” Hussein said, accompanied by other union officials.
He noted that the challenge comes at a critical time as junior secondary school exams are set to begin this month.
“We urge the Ministries of Education and Treasury to fast-track the release of capitation funds to ensure learning continues smoothly,” he added.
The union also called for the revival of the school feeding programme, describing it as a lifeline for thousands of learners affected by drought.
Hussein said food insecurity has forced some families to withdraw children from school, worsening the education situation in Northern Kenya.
“In this drought situation, school meals are not just a learning incentive but a vital nutritional intervention. Without them, attendance drops drastically,” he said.
Hussein further appealed to governors in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera to use emergency funds to supply water to schools, noting that many were struggling to remain open.
He also dismissed calls by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) to separate junior secondary schools from primary institutions, saying the current structure reflected recommendations from national consultations.
“The Presidential Working Party consulted widely, and the majority agreed that junior schools should remain within primary institutions,” Hussein said, adding that all junior school heads in Garissa are qualified teachers, many with advanced degrees.
He emphasized that the focus should remain on improving education delivery rather than leadership disputes within the sector.
