This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
As the national examinations approach, public schools are facing a cash crunch that could jeopardize the preparation of candidates. The Ministry of Education has failed to release funds meant for the third term, leaving schools with insufficient resources to prepare for the exams.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination is scheduled to begin on October 21 and end on November 27. However, schools are yet to receive the Sh10 billion allocated for the third term, which is crucial for purchasing chemicals and exam practical apparatus.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman Kahi Indimuli expressed concern over the delayed release of funds, saying that public schools are in a financial crisis due to huge fee balances and delayed free education cash. He urged the ministry to release the funds to enable schools buy the necessary chemicals and specimens early enough.
Indimuli noted that schools have been facing a challenge in funding every year, with some creditors threatening to withdraw supplies this term. Many dealers have also stopped supplying goods on credit due to long delays in payment, demanding cash upfront instead.
Principals from various schools lamented the sorry situation, urging the government to come up with a proper system of ensuring that schools receive funds on time. They hope that the ministry will release the funds before next week to enable them prepare for the national exams.
