Head teachers are meeting in Mombasa in a week long annual meeting to deliberate on issues affecting Free Primary Education in Kenya.
The meeting is expected to be kicked off by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Deputy President William Ruto, Education Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and Israeli diplomats are expected to speak at the meeting.
The most critical issue expected to be discussed during the forum is funds. Since 2003 when FPE was introduced, each primary pupil has been receiving Ksh. 1,020 every term. With changing economic times, this amount is inadequate to cater for the ever rising costs of life.
Already, the state owes primary schools a total of Sh. 718 million. The government disburses 50% of the amount required for FPE in the first term, 30% in the second and 20% in the third term. However, schools continue to suffer from delays from the government in releasing this money in time thus affecting service delivery in schools.
Anthony M. Wanjohi