Administrators of special schools are demanding the release of more than Sh230 million, saying activities in the institutions are at risk of coming to a halt.
Special Schools Heads Association of Kenya (SSHAK) chairman Arthur Injenga said they were unable to pay non-teaching staff who play a critical role in ensuring that children are in schools.
“The capitation is supposed to take us from July to December. We are now in September and the more than 200 schools have not received the money,” said Mr Injenga.
The schools are also supposed to receive top ups from the government to supplement their budgets.
“We hope the ministry [Education] will work on this issue urgently so that we can also pay our suppliers,” added Mr Injenga.
A Ministry of Education official who sought anonymity said the issue was being worked on.
“Yes we have not released the cash, but we are working on it so that we do not paralyse activities in those schools,” said the officer. The schools are also preparing for national examinations set to start in November.
This year, 2,071 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and 1,404 Kenya Certificate of secondary education candidates with special needs will sit the examinations.
Kenya National examinations Council has since assessed their needs to ensure that suitable and adequate assistance is provided to them during the administration of the exams.
“Appropriate assistance will be communicated to the candidates, centre managers and other officials who will be engaged in the administration of national exams,” said Education secretary Fred Matiang’i.
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