President William Ruto has warned school heads against sending students home for fees, stating that the government has disbursed enough money for all learners.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Teso, Busia County, on Sunday, January 21, the Head of State accused teachers of extorting money from parents with false claims that the government had not disbursed capitation for this year.
President Ruto said the government had released more than Ksh60 billion to keep learners across the country in school.
In addition, the Commander-in-Chief disclosed that his administration had released Ksh10 billion in bursaries to constituencies to benefit children from vulnerable families.
He called on school managers to desist from demanding additional money from parents.
"Hear this from me because these people will stop this ill behaviour because the government has disbursed the money…I want to tell those managers in the education sector not to take advantage of parents on false accounts of the government having released no money," Ruto said.
"We have released Ksh62 billion to our primary and secondary schools, Universities, TVET institutions, including Ksh10 billion in bursaries to our MPs so that even children from vulnerable families can go to school."
At the same time, the President said the government had employed 56,000 new teachers to enhance the quality of education in the country.
He further revealed plans to recruit an additional 2,000 teachers for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) institutions this coming week.
"This week 2,000 teachers will be employed into TVETs because we know the importance of education and we want every child to be educated to create equality," he added.
Ruto's remarks come days after headteachers warned of a major crisis in school operations over insufficient funds.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) told the media this week that the government had only released Ksh4,000 for each learner instead of the promised Ksh10,000.
KESSHA National Chairman Willie Kuria implored the government to release the entire capitation funds to ensure seamless learning. He warned that if the funds were not released promptly, they might have to explore alternative methods to raise funds, such as considering an increase in school fees.
