The government has released Sh2.62 billion for public primary schools and Sh14.85 billion for public secondary schools.
The funding is intended to support learning activities for term one and ensure 100 per cent transition for Form 1.
A press statement released by the Ministry of Education and signed by CS George Magoha indicated that the Sh17.4 billion will be used as capitation for all learners.
School heads have been told not to send students home for fee arrears.
“With the release of the capitation funds, principals are advised to keep all learners in school to ensure no part of class time is lost during the shortened academic calendar,” the statement reads.
Magoha asked principals and head teachers to negotiate with parents whose students have fee arrears on alternative methods of clearing the balance rather than sending learners home.
“Principals should dialogue with parents of learners with fee balances to find practical ways of clearing any arrears,” Magoha said.
He also asked school heads to maintain the new guidelines on fees where learners in national schools will now pay Sh45,054 as extra-county and county schools pay Sh35,035.
“Principals must strictly adhere to new Ministry of Education guidelines on school fees that were issued based on the 30-week school calendar. Any additional fees outside of the official guidelines will not be tolerated,” he added.
The first term of the 2021-22 academic year has 10 weeks and one-week holiday as students transit to the second term. Learners are expected to have uninterrupted learning sessions beginning July 26 to October 1.
As Form 1s continue with admission, it will be the first time all students are in school since the start of the pandemic in March last year.
Secondary schools are set to face an increased number of students to almost 3.3 million posing a challenge to available infrastructure.
All 1.15 million students who sat their KCPE in March this year are expected to get Form 1 slots in secondary schools to achieve 100 per cent transition.
However, due to tough economic times, several households have had difficulties admitting their children to school.
The government through Elimu scholarship awarded 9,000 needy and vulnerable students sponsorship.
County bursaries and well-wishers have also come in to support needy students as they get admitted to Form 1.
-Edited by SKanyara
