Mutula faults Treasury for funds delays

The Education ministry has accused the Treasury of delays in releasing free schooling funds.

The blame lay squarely at the door of the Treasury because the money had already been approved by Parliament, Education minister Mutula Kilonzo told journalists on Monday.

“I keep asking the Treasury for the cash. I don’t understand because Cabinet approved the budget and Parliament also did the same and the money has been appropriated. What is the money still doing at the Treasury?

“I sincerely do not know why the money for free primary and free day secondary education has not been released,” he said.

Free education

The government is expected to release Sh14 billion for this year’s free education in tranches of 50, 30 and 20 per cent for terms one, two and three, respectively. Of this, Sh9 billion is for secondary education.

Secondary school teachers have complained that delays in releasing the cash might complicate the accommodation of Form Ones.

The teachers said they needed the money urgently as the government had barred school fee increases in public schools.

Meanwhile, secondary schools will not break for the elections.

Education permanent secretary George Godia said on Monday this would allow Form Ones to settle down. “Some come from far and by the time they get home, the half term would be almost over,” he said.

Schools are expected to break from February 27 to March 7 for the elections.