Matiang’i Links School Unrest to Delayed Capitation and Inadequate Funding

Former Interior and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has attributed the ongoing unrest in schools across the country to delays in the disbursement of capitation funds and what he terms as insufficient funding for learning institutions.

Matiang’i argued that many of the challenges currently being witnessed in schools, including student protests and operational difficulties, are directly connected to financial constraints facing head teachers and school administrators.

He noted that when government funding is delayed, schools struggle to meet basic operational needs such as feeding programmes, payment of support staff, purchase of learning materials, and maintenance of facilities. According to him, this creates pressure within institutions that can eventually lead to unrest among learners.

The former Cabinet Secretary further insisted that timely release of capitation funds is critical to the smooth running of the education system, stressing that delays undermine planning and stability in schools. He maintained that education financing should be treated as a priority to avoid disruptions in the academic calendar.

His remarks come amid rising concerns from education stakeholders over repeated incidents of school unrest, including protests, destruction of property, and abrupt closures that have affected learning in various parts of the country.

School administrators have in recent weeks also raised concerns about delayed government funding, saying many institutions are operating under financial strain. Some have warned that continued delays could force disruptions in learning activities if the situation is not addressed urgently.

Matiang’i urged the government to strengthen funding mechanisms and ensure predictable and timely release of capitation funds to schools. He emphasized that consistent financing is key to maintaining discipline, improving management, and safeguarding the quality of education.

Education stakeholders have echoed similar sentiments, calling for reforms in school financing to reduce dependence on delayed disbursements and improve accountability in the use of public funds.