A group of MPs are calling for investigations into the disbursement of capitation funds to junior secondary schools across the country. Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, Nyeri Woman Rep Rahab Mukami, and her Baringo counterpart Florence Jematiah raised these concerns during a public hearing session in Gilgil town on the proposed 2024-25 financial budget. They allege that some unregistered schools have benefited from the funds.

Legislators from the Budget and Appropriations Committee have alleged that some unregistered schools are benefiting at the expense of registered ones. This issue came to light during a public hearing session on the proposed 2024-25 financial budget when committee members visited Gilgil town.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari stated that learning in some schools had been disrupted after their funds were diverted to 'briefcase' institutions. She called on the Education CS to take action, highlighting that due to the current impasse, many schools are unable to pay their workers or procure necessary learning materials and food.

“We are deeply concerned by the fraud in the issuance of capitation funds to public schools and are calling on the government to crack the whip on all those involved,” the MP said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Wangari noted that public schools were severely affected by low state funding, resulting in too few classes to accommodate the increasing number of students.

“In Gilgil, we have classes holding more than 100 students and we are seeking more in budgetary allocation to address the current status of infrastructure in the education sector,” she said.

The MP decried the status of infrastructure in the constituency, following the heavy rains that had washed away major roads and bridges.

“We hope that the government will release emergency funds to repair damages caused by the rains, with some schools flooded and others washed away,” she said.

Nyeri Woman Rep Rahab Mukami said the committee will from next week work on a supplementary budget targeting emergency funds for infrastructure damaged by the rains.

“In the supplementary budget we shall be giving flooded schools, damaged roads and the elderly first priority as we seek emergency funds to address current challenges,” she said.

Her Baringo counterpart, Florence Jematiah, mentioned that during their visits to 11 counties, they found that the primary challenges facing residents were related to education and infrastructure.

“The floods have left a trail of destruction and the supplementary budget will look into this while counties like Nakuru will get an extra Sh100 million for various projects,” she promised.

Joshua Mutahi, chairman of the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (Kepsha) in Gilgil, stated that the infrastructure in public schools in the area requires rehabilitation.