The Kenya National Union of Teachers continued to pressure the government to remove the capitation system for schools.

According to the union, educational institutions across the country are currently grappling with financial difficulties ahead of the start of national exams.

Speaking in Nairobi, the union’s first national vice president, Malel Langat, noted that this has affected not only preparation for the Kenya Secondary School Certificate, but also end-of-year examinations in other classes.

“Some money arrived, but school heads were asked to spend it on infrastructure, which means they have nothing to enable them to cover the costs of the necessary materials,” Malel explained. .

The funds are generally intended to purchase stationery such as exercise books, laboratory equipment and chemicals.

It is sent to schools in three installments per year, where 50 percent of the first term per learner amount is paid in the first term, 30 percent (second term) and 20 percent (third term).

Each year, each learner receives 22,244 shillings for tuition fees under the Free Day Secondary School Program.

School heads register their learners with the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) so that they can obtain the capitation.

The government disbursed Sh15,192 and ordered schools to spend Sh3,850 on infrastructure, with the rest used for tuition and other crucial operations at the school.

According to Malel, the government currently “owes” 6,000 shillings to each learner.

A total of Sh21.8 billion was paid to schools as of August this year.

With schools due to close on October 25 for the December holidays, there are fears that many people will be forced to close early due to the difficulties.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) last week launched the 2024 national examination and assessment season.

This year, the board will administer KCSE to 965,501 candidates in 10,565 centers and KPSEA to 1,303,913 candidates in 35,573 centers.

This brings the total to 2,279,414 candidates across the country.

“To ensure smooth administration of the examination and assessments, KNEC has acquired 41 new containers, bringing the total to 617 for the secure storage and transportation of examination materials,” said KNEC CEO David Njengere .

Malel further called on the review body to ensure timely payment of all contracted teachers, stressing that constant delays are demoralizing.