ELDORET, Kenya – The Ministry of Education has issued a strict directive to all public junior school heads, emphasizing proper management of government education funds and banning any unauthorized financial commitments.
In a circular sent to county directors of education, the Ministry clarified that school heads serve as the accounting officers of their institutions and are solely responsible for the use of Free Day Junior School Education funds.
“Junior schools shall not enter into financial contracts, including hire purchase arrangements or bank loans, without the express written approval of the Cabinet Secretary,” said Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok.
He added that schools cannot charge additional fees or levy charges for lunch programs.
The directive requires all official correspondence to include the school’s unique National Education Management Information System (Nemis) code.
County directors are tasked with ensuring the circular reaches every public junior school head in their area.
A total of Sh14.46 billion has been set aside for public junior schools this year, averaging Sh4,193 per learner.
Each school will also receive Sh90,562 for day-to-day operations, covering rent, utilities, staff training, internet, and salaries.
The Ministry provided a detailed per-learner funding breakdown: Sh2,297 for school operations, including repairs, administration, co-curricular activities, local transport, and medical coverage; and Sh1,895 for tuition support covering teacher development, textbooks, lab supplies, practical lessons, assessments, and stationery.
Schools that submitted incomplete or inaccurate data were excluded from this disbursement. Funds will only be released after verified corrections are submitted.
Sub-county directors have two weeks to provide lists of such schools.
Prof Bitok also instructed schools to maintain separate accounts for tuition, operations, and infrastructure, ensuring that funds are used strictly for their intended purposes, reinforcing transparency and accountability in Kenya’s public junior schools.
