Capitation funds awarded to public schools meant to cater for infrastructure are disbursed depending on budgetary allocations in a financial year.
A report by the departmental committee on education and research indicates that schools that apply for the grants are taken through a quality assessment procedure by Ministry officials.
The Education Ministry was allocated Sh4.2 billion for primary and secondary school infrastructure, among other allocations.
Previously, Sh5, 000 was disbursed for every student in the 2020-21 financial years to develop schools.
The government released Sh2, 000 for each learner this year.
The funds are also meant to support parental initiatives including building dormitories and classes to complete stalled infrastructure projects.
“Equity considerations such as targeting marginalized and disadvantaged communities like ASALs,” the report reads.
After every national examination, schools that performed well request increased funding to expand facilities that will sustain more learners.
“Expansion of schools to address gender imbalances, in cases where there was a shortage of schools of either gender,” the report reads.
Schools also receive funds in case of an emergency that causes destruction of infrastructure like floods, fire accidents.
However, the government will not disburse infrastructure funds to be used for compensation in case of arson that is deliberately caused by somebody.
“Targeted interventions to address cases of deserving schools (e.g., those in pockets of poverty,” the report reads.
This report is a response to a question submitted by Subukia Member of Parliament Samuel Gachobe.
In the same case, Kibra MP Imran Okoth also inquired on the equitability of funds to improve school infrastructure.
He wanted Magoha to explain the criteria used when selecting which schools will receive development funds and how much they will receive.
The legislator asked Magoha to avail a list of all schools per constituency that received development funds for three financial years between 2017 and 2020.
Schools are classified into three categories according to development funds received.
Category one requires schools that receive as much as Sh5 million to seek approval from the office of the county director of education.
The second category receives as much as Sh10 million. The regional education coordinator certifies allocations.
The third category of schools receives more than Sh10 million. They must be certified by Ministry headquarters.
Edited by D Tarus
