Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-17 09:24:15
Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed concerns regarding the directive for parents to pay school fees through the eCitizen platform, raising questions about certain aspects that need clarification before full implementation. The National Assembly’s Education Committee, in a meeting on April 17, highlighted unresolved issues surrounding the new payment method.
The committee emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to engage in public participation to involve parents who would be directly affected by the change. Kitutu Masaba MP Ombane Gisairo questioned the potential for school heads to manipulate the system by creating ghost students, as seen in other government systems.
The lawmakers also raised concerns about inclusivity measures for parents who do not have monetary means to pay school fees. Some parents make payments in the form of foodstuff or animals, which are often used to substitute a percentage of the required fees. Gisairo questioned how the platform would quantify such non-monetary payments to provide a digital receipt.
The MPs directed their inquiries to Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, seeking a detailed explanation to understand the system’s efficiency. Bitok explained the valuation process within schools to assign a value to non-monetary payments like firewood or animals, ensuring that digital receipts are provided accordingly.
The legislators defended their demands, stating that the due diligence was necessary to ensure that schools receive funds for their operational needs, including payments to suppliers and support staff. Bitok emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and eliminate corruption loopholes by efficiently collecting all monies due to the government.
President William Ruto had ordered all schools and universities to pay school fees through the Citizen platform on February 14 to address various issues like running parallel school accounts and overcharging fees. The directive aims to streamline the payment process and promote transparency in financial transactions within educational institutions.
In conclusion, the concerns raised by MPs highlight the importance of ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the implementation of the eCitizen platform for school fee payments. By addressing these issues and engaging in public participation, the Ministry of Education can facilitate a smoother transition to the new payment method while ensuring that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.
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