Operations in special-needs schools paralysed due to delayed funds
What you need to know:
- A total of Sh15.2billion went towards Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) to benefit 2,354,786 students in 8,041 public secondary schools. Shs.6.6billion will on the hand, benefit 8,933, 038 pupils in 21,745 public primary schools.
- On Thursday, Mr Injenga lamented that the schools are yet to pay their staff salaries since January who he said play very critical role due to the nature of the children’s needs.
Special-needs schools are yet to receive about Sh420million as capitation almost two months since the re-opening of schools.
Special Schools Heads Association of Kenya (SSHAK) chairman Arthur Injenga said operations in 200 schools have been paralysed due to the delay.
“Provision of medical services, payment of salaries and purchase of learning materials in schools cannot be done due to this delay,” said Mr Injenga.
The special schools largely cater for children with diverse special needs across the country.
Two weeks ago the government disbursed Sh21.5billion towards the Free Primary and Free Secondary Education programmes in public and Secondary schools.
A total of Sh15.2billion went towards Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) to benefit 2,354,786 students in 8,041 public secondary schools. Shs.6.6billion will on the hand, benefit 8,933, 038 pupils in 21,745 public primary schools.
On Thursday, Mr Injenga lamented that the schools are yet to pay their staff salaries since January who he said play very critical role due to the nature of the children’s needs.
“To fully realize their objectives of accessing quality and relevant education to the children, special schools employ extra staff especially house mothers , teacher aides , watchmen , matrons and nurses,” said the chairman.
The staff depends entirely on the government for their monthly salaries.
He appealed to Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i to intervene saying that the situation is dire and need urgent intervention.
“The children need special diet and that can only be realized if we get the capitation,” said Mr Injenga.
Acting director of Basic Education Abdi Haba admitted that the cash was yet to be released to schools and blamed the problem on National Treasury.
“We prepared the payment vouchers more than a month ago and they have been at the National Treasury without any feedback,” said Mr Haba.
He went on: “As a ministry our hands are tied since we have already done our part but we will continue to make follow –ups.”
