The Ministry of Education has disbursed Ksh.21.8 billion to public institutions across Kenya,

Ensuring a smooth start to the new school term scheduled to begin on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the release of the funds in a statement on Saturday.

Emphasizing the importance of using the resources to benefit students.

CS Ogamba urged school heads to manage the funds responsibly, warning against the imposition of unauthorized fees.

“As a ministry, we will deal firmly with any verified cases of misappropriation of resources and the imposition of unauthorized levies,” he stated.

The funds have been allocated to different educational programs, with Ksh.1.6 billion going to free primary education.

Ksh.6.1 billion to free day Junior School education, and Ksh.14.1 billion to free day secondary education.

This financial support is intended to facilitate the uninterrupted resumption of school activities, particularly as students prepare for crucial examinations.

However, the start of the term faces uncertainty due to a looming nationwide teachers’ strike.

The strike, organized by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), is set to commence on Monday.

The same day schools are scheduled to reopen.

Despite ongoing negotiations with the government, union officials have remained steadfast, urging teachers to stay away from schools until their demands are met.

CS Ogamba has appealed to teachers to prioritize the welfare of students and reconsider their decision to strike.

“We are aware the unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) are in negotiations, and we are confident that both parties will reach an agreement before schools reopen,” he said.

He stressed the significance of the upcoming term, noting, “This is an examination term. I don’t think anyone can joke about the exams of our children.”

The teachers’ grievances include the implementation of the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the promotion of teachers.

Placing them on permanent and pensionable terms, and hiring of additional teachers to ease the workload.

The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will determine whether the new school term begins without disruption, ensuring that students can focus on their studies and upcoming exams.