The Ministry of Education has moved to restrict junior schools from accessing bank loans, warning that the practice poses financial risks to institutions and places an indirect burden on parents.
The directive, issued by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, states that junior secondary schools are not allowed to take loans from financial institutions without explicit approval from the ministry and other relevant authorities.
The new policy is part of broader efforts by the government to enforce financial discipline in basic education institutions under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
According to the ministry, some junior schools have in the past taken loans to fund infrastructure development, learning materials, or operational costs, only for the repayment burden to be shifted to parents through unofficial levies and charges.
The government maintains that this contradicts the principle of free basic education.
Education officials say the ban is intended to protect both learners and parents from hidden costs and to prevent schools from accumulating unsustainable debts.
The ministry has reiterated that headteachers and principals who impose unauthorized fees or engage in unapproved borrowing risk disciplinary action.
Parents have been encouraged to report schools that demand extra payments beyond what is provided for under government policy.
The directive comes at a time when junior schools are still adjusting to funding and structural demands under the CBC system.
Many public junior schools operate within existing primary school infrastructure, while others have expanded rapidly to accommodate increasing enrolment.
These pressures have led some administrators to seek alternative sources of funding, including loans, to bridge gaps caused by delayed or inadequate capitation.
However, the government insists that borrowing is not a long-term solution and has emphasized that schools should rely on official funding channels.
The Ministry of Education has promised to work closely with the National Treasury to ensure timely disbursement of capitation funds and to address genuine financial gaps through proper budgeting and planning.
Officials argue that allowing uncontrolled borrowing could expose schools to financial instability and compromise learning.
No More Bank Loans for Junior Schools, Ministry of Education Announces
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from education stakeholders. While many parents have welcomed the move, saying it will reduce financial pressure on households, some school administrators have expressed concern that the ban could slow down infrastructure development, especially in fast-growing schools.
They argue that without adequate and timely funding, schools may struggle to meet minimum standards.
Education experts say the policy highlights the need for sustainable and transparent financing of basic education.
They note that while restricting loans may protect parents in the short term, the government must strengthen funding mechanisms to ensure junior schools can operate effectively.
As the CBC continues to take root, the success of junior secondary education will largely depend on consistent funding, strong oversight, and cooperation between schools, parents, and the state.
No More Bank Loans for Junior Schools, Ministry of Education Announces