As learners prepare to reopen schools for the first term next week, the government has been urged to increase capitation to enable the smooth operation of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) Laikipia East Representative Peter Ndumia, speaking after an exercise to award Equity Bank Wings to Fly scholarships to needy and bright learners in Nanyuki, said that the capitation allocated to schools was not enough for schools to operate normally.
“The government released Sh7.6 billion for Junior Secondary schools capitation for term one on Wednesday. It is my appeal to the national government that the capitation that we are getting be increased to ensure that the practical areas are enhanced,” said Ndumia.
He said that the competency-based curriculum was a very critical learning system that Kenyans were embracing, adding that without proper funding, areas that required practical learning could be halted.
Ndumia further noted that schools were developing measures to cut the cost of school operations.
Meanwhile, eight learners from humble backgrounds were awarded scholarships courtesy of the Equity Wings to Fly programme.
Equity Bank Nanyuki Branch Manager Benson Kinyua said that it was a competitive selection process, and over 190 needy students from the county wishing to join various secondary schools across the country had applied; however, they had limited slots.
“We have awarded eight students the scholarship following a thorough scrutiny of the large number of applicants we received. The 190 students were just a small portion compared to other parts of the country,” said Kinyua.
He called on well-wishers and other education stakeholders to partner in supporting the needy and bright students who were left out from the Wings to Fly scholarship programme.
“Having been able to sponsor only eight students from the total number of applicants, about 20 were extremely needy, and we had limited slots. I call upon any well-wishers out there to come and support the remaining needy and bright learners,’’ Kinyua said.
Elijah Ntaiya, one of the Wings to Fly beneficiaries and a learner from Laikipia North sub-county, thanked the institution for offering to support his education, noting that he would work hard and achieve his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Ntaiya, who scored 380 marks from Kimanjo Primary School, noted that it was through sheer hard work since he would walk for long distances through wildlife-infested forests to access education.
“It’s been God’s grace; we had a lot of difficulties, including a lack of study area at home since we had limited space and our home was far from school. The area is covered by forest,” said Ntaiya.
The other beneficiaries were equally thankful and vowed to work hard and achieve their dreams so that they can in the end, support their communities after completing their studies.
By Muturi Mwangi
