Each student in the Junior Secondary School (JSS) has been allocated Sh4,998.1 for this term as part of the Free Day Junior School Education (FDJSE) funds disbursed by the Ministry of Education. This amount is significantly below the expected Sh15,000 per learner to be disbursed to school accounts in a given financial year.
This allocation is part of the government’s Sh14 billion release of capitation funds for the second term of this academic year to support free day Junior Secondary School programs. Each school hosting JSS has received a total of Sh274,444 as basic allocations from the government.
In a circular dated June 18, 2024, addressed to all County Directors of Education, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang indicated that the data obtained from the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) on April 20 was used to allocate the funds to schools and institutions. This data-driven approach aims to ensure a fair distribution of resources based on accurate enrollment figures.
“The Ministry of Education has released Free Day Junior Secondary Education funds for Junior Secondary Schools for term two at Sh4,998.1 per learner. Further, each school will receive an allocation of Sh274,444 as a basic allocation,” said Dr. Kipsang. This announcement underscores the government’s commitment to supporting junior secondary education despite the challenges posed by limited financial resources.
The disbursement for each student includes Sh1,746.38 for tuition, with centralized procurement accounting for Sh1,175.72 through the Tuition account. The Operation account consists of Sh2,076, including Sh1,976 and Sh100 for centralized procurement respectively. This breakdown is designed to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently to cover essential educational needs and operational costs.
School funds are distributed as follows: personal emolument is allocated Sh199,713, rental box and postage, telephone charges, board of Management meetings, and capacity building are collectively allocated Sh58,416.37. Other allocations include internet connectivity and electricity at Sh11,667.14, and water and conservancy at Sh4,647.49. These allocations are intended to address various operational expenses that schools incur, ensuring they can maintain basic functions and services.
The PS noted that the funds are intended for learners in both Grades 7 and 8, and schools are expected to utilize the resources as per the estimates issued by the ministry. This guidance is critical for schools to plan and manage their budgets effectively, ensuring that the funds serve their intended purpose.
“This acknowledgement must be accomplished within two weeks of receipt of funds. Schools whose acknowledgement is not received at the headquarters in the stipulated period will be suspended from the programme. It should be noted that recovery will be instituted for any school that is found to have an enrollment less than the one used in this disbursement,” he added. This stipulation is a measure to ensure accountability and transparency in the utilization of funds.
Additionally, Sh19 billion was sent to secondary schools under the free day secondary education programme, while primary schools will receive Sh2.74 billion for free primary education. This comprehensive funding approach demonstrates the government’s broader commitment to free education across different educational levels.
Several school heads expressed frustration over the insufficient funds, revealing they have received only Sh4,156 per learner, short of the Sh5,000 expected. This shortfall has exacerbated the financial challenges that schools face, impacting their ability to provide quality education. School heads have voiced concerns about the sustainability of school operations under the current funding levels, highlighting the need for additional support and resources.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged these concerns and is exploring ways to address the funding gaps. However, the limited budget and competing priorities make it challenging to meet all demands fully. The government continues to seek additional funding sources and partnerships to enhance the financial support provided to schools.
In the meantime, schools are encouraged to manage their resources prudently and explore alternative funding avenues, such as community support and fundraising activities. Collaborative efforts between schools, communities, and the government are essential to overcoming the financial challenges and ensuring that students receive a quality education.
Despite the financial constraints, the government remains committed to its goal of providing free and accessible education to all students. Ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fund allocation and utilization are critical to achieving this objective. The Ministry of Education is dedicated to monitoring the situation closely and making necessary adjustments to support schools and students effectively.
In conclusion, the allocation of Sh4,998.1 per student for Junior Secondary School this term highlights both the efforts and challenges in funding free day education. While the current funding falls short of expectations, the government’s commitment to education remains strong, with ongoing efforts to address funding gaps and support schools in providing quality education to all learners.