Ogamba Meets KUPPET Leaders as Teachers Raise Alarm Over School Funding

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has met officials of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) as concerns grow over inadequate government funding for schools.

Ogamba held talks with KUPPET's National Executive Board at Jogoo House on Thursday, September 3, with teacher welfare and the delivery of basic education among the issues discussed.

Capitation Shortfall Takes Centre Stage

The meeting came days after KUPPET threatened industrial action over what it described as a major shortfall in school capitation.

The union says secondary schools have received about KSh16,000 per learner against the statutory annual allocation of KSh22,244.

This leaves schools with a funding deficit of more than KSh6,000 for every learner.

KUPPET has warned that the shortage could place additional financial pressure on parents as schools struggle to meet their daily expenses.

Schools Struggle With Rising Costs

According to the union, institutions are already facing difficulties paying for essential services and supplies.

These include food, electricity, water, learning materials and other operational requirements.

KUPPET has cautioned that the financial strain could become more severe during the final term as schools prepare learners for national examinations.

Ogamba Holds Consultations

Ogamba said his meeting with the union provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting teachers and the wider education sector.

The CS described the engagement as a consultative meeting focused on teacher welfare and improving access to quality basic education.

The talks also came as KUPPET increased pressure on the government to address the capitation deficit.

Union Had Threatened Nationwide Strike

KUPPET officials recently warned that teachers could down their tools across secondary schools if the funding concerns remain unresolved.

The union has argued that the capitation gap could leave school administrators with little choice but to seek additional financial contributions from parents.

Speaking in Vihiga on August 30, KUPPET Executive Secretary Charles Otiende said the funding burden was increasingly shifting to families.

The latest engagement between the ministry and KUPPET could provide an avenue for resolving the dispute before it escalates into industrial action.

The union is expected to continue pushing for adequate funding as schools enter the final stretch of the academic year.