RE: URGENT REQUEST FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET TO SUPPORT THE RUNNING OF SENIOR SCHOOLS AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS

Your Excellency,

I write with deep respect and concern on behalf of education stakeholders who are witnessing the increasingly difficult financial circumstances confronting Principals and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) in the management of public schools.

The FY 2026/27 Budget provides substantial allocations for Free Day Secondary Education, Junior Secondary School capitation and school examination and invigilation fees. However, the pressure being experienced at institutional level suggests a need to examine whether the timing, adequacy and structure of disbursements are sufficiently aligned with the actual cash-flow requirements of schools.

The transition and implementation of the Competency-Based Education system has brought with it new responsibilities, new programmes, expanded institutional needs and additional financial obligations. While Government continues to provide capitation for learners, the realities on the ground indicate that many institutions are struggling to meet essential operational expenses from the resources currently available.

THE FINANCIAL PRESSURE ON SCHOOL HEADS

Across many schools, Principals and HOIs are expected to keep institutions functioning regardless of the availability or timing of funds.

In some institutions, arrears involving BOM teachers and support staff are reportedly accumulating from as early as June. This places school heads in an extremely difficult position because they remain responsible for keeping schools operational while suppliers, workers and service providers also expect payment. They must provide for :

• - Electricity and water bills;
• - Repairs and maintenance of classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and other facilities;
• - Food and essential supplies;
• - Stationery and teaching-learning materials;
• - Sanitation and hygiene;
• - Transport and other institutional logistics;
• - Salaries and allowances for Board of Management teachers;
• - Support staff and other essential workers;
• - Practical activities and curriculum-related requirements; and
• - Other urgent expenses that cannot simply be postponed.

A Principal cannot switch off electricity because the school has no cash. A school cannot stop providing water because its capitation has not arrived. A laboratory practical cannot simply be postponed because a school lacks money for essential materials. Neither can a school operate effectively when cooks, cleaners, security personnel and BOM teachers go for months without their remuneration. These are not luxuries. They are basic requirements for keeping a school functional.

THE SILENCE AROUND ADDITIONAL PARENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The challenge is further complicated by the limited ability of schools to rely on additional parental contributions.

While parents and guardians have an important role in supporting education, the economic circumstances facing many Kenyan households make it difficult for schools to depend upon substantial additional collections to bridge recurrent financial gaps.

Consequently, school heads are increasingly caught between government funding constraints, parental financial limitations and the expectations placed upon institutions to deliver quality education.

NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS ARE APPROACHING

The urgency becomes even greater as Kenya approaches an important national assessment and examination period. KNEC has published 2026 timetables and instructions covering KCSE, KJSEA, KPSEA and School-Based Assessments.

These assessments create additional financial responsibilities for schools, including preparation of candidates, practical activities where applicable, learning materials, internal administration, logistics and other examination-related requirements.

The Government has already recognised examination financing as a budget priority, with KSh 9.9 billion provided in the FY 2026/27 budget for school examination and invigilation fees.

However, there is need to ensure that the resources reach institutions in a timely manner and that schools are adequately cushioned against operational pressures during this critical period.

THE RISK OF PREMATURE CLOSURE

Your Excellency, the situation is becoming sufficiently serious that discussions of an early closure of some schools in October are emerging as a possible response to mounting financial pressure. Such an outcome would have implications for learning continuity, examination preparation and the implementation of the Competency-Based Education curriculum.

At a time when schools should be concentrating on finishing strong, Principals and teachers should not have to spend their valuable time negotiating with suppliers, explaining salary arrears or searching for emergency resources to keep essential services running.

OUR HUMBLE PROPOSAL