- Malel expressed concerns that the shortfall in the funds released for this purpose could result in the exclusion of many schools from first-term activities.
- Each of the students in junior secondary schools is allocated Sh260 for co-curricular activities in the first term.
Image: COURTESY
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) wants the government to release capitation for schools in the agreed sharing ratio to support co-curricular activities.
Malel Langat, the Union's first vice national chairman, expressed concerns that the shortfall in the funds released for this purpose could result in the exclusion of many schools from first-term activities.
Speaking during a funeral in Nandi Tuesday, Malel emphasized the crucial role these funds play in facilitating the activities.
"Most schools across the country are now grappling with the challenge of providing for the subsistence of the children," he stated.
Each of the students in junior secondary schools is allocated Sh260 for co-curricular activities in the first term.
In a circular dated January 26 from the Ministry of Education on the vote head breakdown, however, each student got Sh10.
They also got another Sh160 to gather for local transport and travel.
In total, each student received Sh883 which is for other expenses including medical, laboratory materials, stationery and administrative costs among others during this term as compared to the Sh1,850 they are supposed to be getting leaving a balance of Sh967.
The disbursement of funds is in the ratio of 50:30:20 for the first, second, and third terms respectively.
Those in primary, on the other hand, have each been allocated Sh17 for the activities.
Malel stressed the importance of such activities in fostering holistic development and providing a platform for students to explore and showcase their diverse skills.
"We all know how sports are so dear to our children especially athletics which are happening during this term. If we deny them that opportunity, we are killing talents yet the government has been talking of promoting talents right from schools," he added.
In a schedule released by the ministry dated February 21, primary school's term one activities are kids’ athletics (8-11 years), track events, and field events and cross country.
Those in JSS, take part in track and field events, cross country, handball, swimming basketball.
He said the smooth running of schools dictates that funds meant for management and functioning from the government are released promptly and on time.
"We urge the Ministry to ensure prompt, systematic and seamless disbursement of funds," he remarked.
Malel noted that the timely release of funds enables heads of institutions to have an easy time in the planning and execution of their functions.
He added that there is a need to review capitation amounts allocated for various vote heads upwards due to high inflation rates and cost of living globally noting what was given in the 2023/2024 budget is still far much lower than what we gave in our proposals.
Other KNUT officials present during the funeral were 1st National Trustee Boniface Tenai, NEC members, Josphat Serem, and Sammy Bor and union executive secretaries Bermard Maiyo (Nandi North) Stephen Misoi (Nandi South) and KNUT Rift Valley vice chairman John Koech.