KNUT Kericho officials during a past protest.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kericho branch has raised concerns over the persistent capitation challenges that continue to affect learning activities in public schools nationwide.

Speaking in Kericho town, Branch Executive Secretary David Bore stated that the long-standing delays and insufficient disbursement of government capitation funds have left school heads unable to run their schools effectively.

“School heads are unable to pay suppliers and contractors due to delayed and insufficient capitation,” Bore stated.

He emphasised that the situation is now dire, with many primary schools struggling with a shortage of books and learning materials, all of which is attributed to a lack of funds.

“Our schools are grappling with a lack of books. This is not due to mismanagement but because there is simply no money,” he added.

Bore also accused Education Principal Secretary Julius Bittok of making empty promises that have left teachers in awkward and challenging positions.

“The PS has continually given false promises, which have eroded trust and put teachers in very compromising situations,” Bore said.

He called on the government to come clean on the sustainability of the capitation program so that parents can plan adequately for their children’s education.

“The government must tell us clearly whether it can sustain the current capitation model. Parents need clarity to organise themselves on school fees payments,” he challenged.

The capitation crisis has sparked unrest among education stakeholders, with parents now joining teachers in demanding the timely release of funds to ensure smooth learning operations.

KNUT is now urging the Ministry of Education to prioritise the issue and implement a lasting solution to avoid further disruption in the education sector.