The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop, Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, has warned that delays in releasing capitation funds to schools are crippling learning institutions and threatening the quality of education in the country.
Speaking at Lubinu ACK Church in East Mumias, Kakamega County, during the commissioning of a new church building, Dr Ole Sapit faulted the government for what he described as continued neglect of the education sector.
He said this year has been particularly difficult for schools as they struggle to stay afloat without timely disbursements.
“Delayed capitation means compromising the quality of education,” he said. “Education is the only known equaliser, and we cannot allow what is happening to continue. We want the government to ensure every child has access to quality education by releasing capitation funds on time.”
He noted that many schools have been forced to close earlier than scheduled, while others are unable to provide adequate meals and resources for candidates sitting national examinations. The Archbishop said the situation was unacceptable and called for immediate intervention to stabilise learning.
According to Dr Ole Sapit, the failure to remit funds on time has left headteachers and boards of management grappling with debt and struggling to meet basic needs such as electricity, water, and food supplies. He said education managers have been forced to rely on parents who are already under economic strain, undermining the spirit of free basic education.
The Archbishop also criticised the new university funding model, terming it “a disaster” that has created inequality and confusion among students and parents.
“The old model benefited every student joining the university because each of them qualified for a loan once admitted. That model worked and enabled many young people to transform their lives,” he said. “The new model, however, is riddled with discrepancies and has locked out many deserving students. I urge the government to review it and revert to the old system.”
He also expressed disappointment over the prolonged strike by university lecturers that paralysed learning in public institutions for nearly three months, saying it had wasted time, resources, and opportunities for students.
“I am saddened that our university dons went on strike for such a long period. This semester has had a lot to cover, yet nothing has been going on. The strike wasted students’ time, drained parents’ resources, and created unnecessary pressure that could have been avoided,” he lamented.
Dr Ole Sapit urged the Ministry of Education, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), and teachers’ unions such as KUPPET and KNUT to engage in honest dialogue and find long-term solutions to prevent similar disruptions in future. “We must safeguard the right of every learner to uninterrupted education,” he said.
The Archbishop also raised concern over rising unrest in schools, which he linked to uncertainty, frustration, and poor management. He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, faith-based organisations, and education stakeholders to restore discipline and stability in the sector.
Dr Ole Sapit has been on a two-day pastoral visit to the Mumias ACK Diocese, where he commissioned two churches, launched several community boreholes, and inspected ongoing development projects spearheaded by the Diocesan Bishop, Dr Joseph Wandera.
He commended the diocese for its contribution to both spiritual growth and community development, saying the Church will continue to champion education, health, and social empowerment initiatives across the country.
“Our mission as the Church goes beyond the pulpit,” he said. “We must stand with communities in their everyday challenges and advocate for fairness and justice in all sectors, including education.”
The Archbishop’s remarks come at a time when the education sector is under scrutiny over delayed funding, teacher strikes, and the rollout of new financing models—issues that continue to spark debate on the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.
