Boosting Per-Learner Funding Across All Education Levels
Boosting Per-Learner Funding Across All Education Levels. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) is vehemently advocating for a substantial boost in per-learner funding across all educational tiers. Knut’s Secretary General, Collins Oyuu, has voiced grave concerns about the current per-pupil allocation, which currently stands at just Sh1,170 for primary school students, a figure he deems grossly inadequate.
Oyuu’s proposal is clear-cut: escalate the per-learner allocation to a minimum of Sh5,000 for primary school students. The existing allocation for primary education rests at Sh2,237 per student, but Oyuu staunchly believes it should be augmented to Sh4,000.
He vocalized these compelling demands at the National Stakeholder Conference on Financing and Commercialization of Education in Nairobi. Furthermore, he stressed that the Sh1,420 allocation per primary school student significantly falls short of what is needed. In the case of secondary school students, under the Presidential Workers Party on Education Reform (PWPER) proposal, they currently receive Sh15,043, but Oyuu is ardently calling for an increase to at least Sh22,000. Similarly, the tuition allocation for secondary school students is Sh22,527 per student, yet Oyuu is pressing for an increase to Sh35,000.
Knut’s Passionate Pursuit for a Better Educational Future
Oyuu deems the additional allocation for students with special needs insufficient, as per PWPER recommendations, due to inflation. He has proactively put forth a plan to raise the allocation to Sh3,500 for all students with special needs and disabilities in primary schools and a notable Sh60,000 in secondary schools.
Oyuu has also underscored the pressing need for government investment in teaching tools and technology for special needs educators. While expressing his concerns about the budget allocation for the education sector, he pointed out that it is inadequate to meet the sector’s needs. This is particularly challenging, given the rising population and government policies such as the 100 percent transfer policy.
For the 2023/24 academic year, the budget allocation stands at a substantial Sh628.6 billion, encompassing comprehensive provisions for teacher recruitment, capital grants, and free education.
Oyuu has strongly emphasized that insufficient funds in the education sector unfairly shift the financial burden onto parents, particularly those with children in public schools.
In conclusion, Knut’s fervent demand revolves around elevating per-learner funding at all educational levels, a cause that holds profound significance.