KNUT Calls for Immediate Disbursement of Student Capitation
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the Ministry of Education to promptly release capitation funds to schools to facilitate efficient operations.
Speaking on Sunday, April 27, the union’s Secretary General, Hesbon Otieno, indicated that this action would support the anticipated transition in the second term.
According to the Secretary General, the second term is when Grade 9 students will choose their senior secondary school pathways, thereby making sufficient funding critical for a seamless transition.
He consequently implored the government to disburse the capitation funds and any outstanding balances from the first term prior to the reopening of schools, rather than midway through the term or at its conclusion.
“It is imperative that the ministry provides the 30 percent intended for release in the second term. It should be disbursed in a timely manner before the schools reopen, and if there are any outstanding balances from the first term, they ought to be released so that the schools can commence on a positive note due to the transition,” he stated.
“I recognize that students are about to begin selecting the pathways they will pursue in grade 10. Schools must be adequately prepared to ensure that this process occurs efficiently, so as to avoid delays or frustrations for the heads of institutions and the school management. ”
Current Grade 9 students will be the first cohort of senior secondary students under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) programme, and they will commence specialization in various pathways starting from Grade 10.
According to the new curriculum, three pathways are available—Arts and Sports, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)—with each student expected to select no more than two.
The pathways will be determined based on both merit and the student’s preferences to guide them on their desired career paths.
However, this initiative has faced challenges, as the ministry encountered substantial backlash after announcing that only STEM students would be required to study mathematics, a subject that was obligatory in the 8-4-4 education system.
