Junior Secondary Budget Crisis .
Junior Secondary Budget Crisis . Crisis Hits Junior Secondary Education Budget.
National Treasury Cuts Funds
Learners face uncertainty as the National Treasury slashes funds allocated for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and school feeding programs. Lawmakers, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, discovered a significant reduction in JSS funding by a staggering Sh15.4 billion, affecting approximately one million students. Additionally, the entire budget of Sh4.9 billion for the school feeding program has been eliminated, jeopardizing the education of 4.5 million students who rely on school meals.
Teachers’ Strikes Compound Challenges
The budget cut exacerbates an already beleaguered education sector grappling with ongoing teacher strikes. As schools reopened following the Easter break, Junior Secondary teachers staged nationwide protests against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), demanding permanent and pensionable employment. Despite a court order mandating their employment, the TSC’s refusal prompted the teachers to threaten further disruptions to learning activities.
Call for Government Action
Amidst the turmoil, intern teachers advocate for government intervention, urging funding to secure permanent employment for Junior Secondary teachers. They also seek compensation for their past year of service under illegal internship contracts. John Melvin, leading the protests, emphasizes the critical role of Junior Secondary teachers in implementing the Competence Based Curriculum.
Impact on Special Needs Education
The budget cuts extend to special needs education, leaving 12,672 learners without allocated funds. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang highlights the risk to children’s rights and emphasizes the importance of equitable funding to uphold constitutional mandates.
Funding Shortfalls and Consequences
Kipsang presents alarming funding shortfalls across various education sectors, including Free Primary Education, Free Junior Secondary Education, and Free Day Secondary Education. He underscores the urgent need to address these shortfalls to accommodate increased enrollment and ensure quality education for all learners.
Challenges Ahead
The looming funding gaps threaten the integrity of the education system, with insufficient resources to cover essential expenses such as examination invigilation fees. Kipsang appeals to policymakers to prioritize education funding to safeguard children’s rights and sustain educational progress.
