Murang'a teachers protest as capitation cuts threaten school resources
Teachers at Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in Murang'a have staged a protest against the government's recent decision to cut capitation funds. The move, they argue, will negatively impact the quality of education in their schools.
The teachers, led by their chairman Polycap Muriithi, have demanded that the government reconsider and reverse the capitation cuts. The capitation per student has been slashed from Sh22,244 to Sh15,042 annually. They fear that cash-strapped schools will struggle to procure learning materials, particularly for science practicals.
Teachers have also expressed concern about the proposed transfer of their medical scheme from a private insurance firm to the State Health Agency (SHA). Thomas Kimani, a teacher, urged for public participation in this decision. Gasper Ochieng, a TSC official, has stated that the Teachers Service Commission is considering 20,000 teachers nationwide for permanent positions. However, teachers have pleaded with the government to employ intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms after serving for six months.
The JSS teachers in Murang'a have made their stance clear: they want the capitation cuts reversed and adequate funding for schools. They also seek fair consideration in the transfer of their medical scheme and permanent employment for intern teachers. The Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr Julius Ogamba, is urged to increase funds for education programs.
