This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
On Friday, May 7, 2021, Kenya's Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha announced the release of Sh7.5 billion to secondary schools ahead of the reopening slated for Monday, May 10, 2021.
Prof Magoha explained that the government had initially planned to disburse Sh15 billion to schools last term but only managed to release Sh7.5 billion. However, he assured that the remaining funds would be disbursed in the coming days.
The government plans to disburse Sh13 billion to secondary schools and Sh2.8 billion to primary schools as part of the third term allocation. The breakdown of funding for free education is split in a 50:30:20 ratio to cater for the first, second, and third term respectively.
Prof Magoha also warned principals against sending learners back home over fee balances, stating that every child is equal and should not be bullied by parents.
He emphasized that only Grade 4 learners will remain home until July 4 when the new education calendar will commence. The new calendar packs four school terms into one year instead of the normal three to make up for the time lost in 2020 when schools were shut to contain the spread of COVID-19.
