Education CS Urges Peace of Mind in School Capitation Row, Demands Dialogue
The CS observed that spreading misinformation risks destabilizing teachers, students, and parents, rather calling for positive feedback to develop the sector.
The CS observed that spreading misinformation risks destabilizing teachers, students, and parents, rather calling for positive feedback to develop the sector. Photo / Citizen Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged Members of Parliament and education stakeholders to handle discussions on school capitation and education financing with care so as not to cause unnecessary public alarm.
In a meeting address to the public on Monday, Ogamba rejected reports that the Education Ministry plans to reduce capitation for children. He said that there was never any proposal to reduce the allocation from KSh22,000 to KSh16,000 as reported.
“Nobody has said that money is being reduced. I do not know where those media reports originated from,” said Ogamba. “Even my colleague has never said that.”.
The CS observed that spreading misinformation risks destabilizing teachers, students, and parents, rather calling for positive feedback to develop the sector.
He called on the leaders to sit down and agree on alternative means of raising education funding rather than portraying the system as failing.
“We are all trying to achieve the same objective. Budget-making is about evaluating available resources and allocating them among ministries. Education is a high priority and will keep getting the support it deserves,” he assured.
Ogamba reaffirmed that the government was committed to smoothing learner transitions smoothly from one level of education to another, stating no child would be deprived of education because of a lack of funds.
He also noted the necessity of partnerships between MPs, county governments, and overseas development agencies to boost education infrastructure and services nationwide.
Country is yielding good human capital in Africa. The education system remains in good condition, and we won’t allow it to fail. Children will remain in school, transitions will be as programmed, and any emerging financing gaps will be addressed—either through additional budgets or other arrangements,” he added.
The CS urged all concerned to stay focused on solutions and support the ministry’s efforts to ensure all Kenyan children receive quality education.
Kajiado South MP Parashina Samuel supported the sentiments of the CS, blaming colleagues for politicizing the capitation debate and misleading the country on government funding initiatives.
“Now is not the time to deceive Kenyans,” Parashina warned. “We must end politicking with education funds. We are handling the future of our children, and we must protect it by being truthful and assisting government efforts to make the sector more robust.”
About Author
