The government will release Ksh48.8 billion in capitation funds to schools next week, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced on Friday. The funds aim to alleviate financial strains in learning institutions caused by delays in disbursements.
Speaking in Chiga, Kolwa East, Kisumu County during the commissioning of Financially Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) projects, Mbadi urged schools to exercise patience and avoid panic. He dismissed claims that the education sector is in crisis due to delayed capitation, explaining that the government prioritized settling Ksh70 billion in foreign loans that had fallen due earlier this year.
“We had no choice but to pay Ksh70 billion in external loans to maintain our creditworthiness,” said Mbadi. “Now, next week, we will release Ksh48.8 billion for school capitation to ensure uninterrupted learning for our children.”
Commitment to Devolution
Mbadi also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting devolution, promising to disburse funds to county governments after addressing the schools’ capitation.
“After releasing money to schools, we will channel funds to counties to support their operations,” Mbadi said. “I believe in devolution, my party believes in devolution, and this broad-based government supports devolution.”
Political Commentary
Mbadi took the opportunity to address a section of Kenyans opposing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Chairmanship. He criticized those calling for Odinga to resume opposition politics, accusing them of consistently opposing his leadership aspirations, including during the 2022 presidential election.
“They denied Odinga the presidency and continue to undermine him,” Mbadi remarked. “It is now their turn to play opposition politics, and we will support President Ruto in delivering his mandate.”
Development Projects
The Treasury CS also highlighted the government’s commitment to development projects in the region, including supporting rice farming, advancing the Koru-Soin Dam initiative, and ensuring progress on the Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Fisheries project, for which tenders have already been advertised.
Mbadi’s assurances aim to quell concerns over delayed funding while reaffirming the government’s focus on education, devolution, and regional development.
