This archive report was first published on 22 July 2020.
As the country battles to flatten the coronavirus infection curve, the Senate has launched an investigation into the use of free learning cash allocated to the Education ministry.
On July 20, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala submitted a statement to Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, which was approved for inquiry on July 21.
The probe aims to determine how the allocated funds are being used, with schools closed since March 2020.
According to Senator Malala, the Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha should provide a detailed report on the total amount of government funds disbursed to schools since March 2020.
The report should also outline the balance of government capitation monies yet to be released to schools, along with specific timelines for the release.
Furthermore, Senator Malala wants the government to explain specific measures in place to economically cushion teachers and non-teaching staff employed by boards of management during the pandemic.
With schools closed for the whole of this year, learners are expected to resume classes in January.
Notably, the government allocated Sh473 billion to the Education sector in the 2019-2020 budget, the highest among other sectors.
