Schools are yet to receive funds to help prepare and administer KCSE and KCPE exams which are scheduled to start on October 22 and 30 2018 respectively.
The school heads have protested that they need money to buy essential supplies such as test tubes, gases and specimens for use during the national examinations.
Education Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang explained that the delay was caused by the Finance Bill 2018 which cut the Ministry’s budget by Ksh1 billion.
“We are in talks with the National Treasury on this issue. We have the best interests of our children at heart and we will ensure that they get the funds on time,” commented Kipsang.
Kenya Secondary School Heads Association Chairman Kahi Indimuli recently also raised alarm over the expected increase in the price of commodities due to the 8 per cent VAT imposed on fuel.
Suppliers are reluctant to deliver the materials due to delayed payments which have accrued from previous orders.
“When you delay the funds, it means we have to get items from suppliers on credit, yet most of them are not willing to do so,” he complained.
He regretted the government is yet to disburse the 20 per cent capitation fund a month after schools reopened.
KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion has piled pressure on the government to release the funds by calling for the closure of schools, should the delay persist.
“The government should release the funds by the end of this week, otherwise we shall ask that schools take a break until all the money is wired,” declared Sossion.
