Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-03 21:00:00
The Ministry of Education has taken action in response to the growing complaints from parents regarding unauthorized levies charged by schools. This issue is prevalent in many schools across the country, and it has become a major burden for parents, particularly those who struggle to pay the fees after receiving capitation, bursaries, and scholarships.
In an effort to address this issue, the ministry has ordered a countrywide audit of schools to investigate the additional charges imposed on parents. Teachers being enticed with motivation fees to perform their duties is just one example of the various additional charges that have been causing concern. In a circular to regional and county directors of education, school heads have been given a deadline to file declarations with the ministry, disclosing the amount of fees they charge. The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, has also warned head teachers against violating the fee guidelines issued by the ministry.
While these measures are intended to prevent schools from exploiting parents with additional charges, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has pointed out that the fee guidelines are unrealistic. They argue that school heads should not be expected to perform miracles, especially considering the financial challenges faced by many schools. The union has called for increased funding to schools, as many of them are cash-strapped and heavily indebted to suppliers.
A survey conducted by the Nation has confirmed that many schools charge fees outside the ministry’s guidelines, undermining the concept of free and compulsory basic education guaranteed by the Constitution. Secondary schools often levy charges for lunch, uniforms, reference books, and development programs, further adding to the financial burden on parents.
Additionally, the ministry has indicated that parents in some schools will be required to pay fees through the e-Citizen portal to improve service delivery. However, there are concerns about the potential disruptions or negative impacts of this change. Instead of resorting to knee-jerk reactions, the ministry should take the time to explain the reasons behind the switch and engage with stakeholders, including school heads and parents, to ensure a smooth transition.
Overall, the response from the Ministry of Education to address unauthorized levies in schools is a step in the right direction. However, there is a need for realistic fee guidelines, increased funding for schools, and proactive communication with stakeholders to effectively address this issue and ensure that every child has access to quality education without excessive financial burden on their parents.
Read the original article on Daily Nation
