The government is set to release capitation funds meant for Junior Secondary Schools before the end of the week to help with the smooth transition of Grade 7 learners.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Charles Ong’ondo has issued a warning to teachers against charging extra levies and implored them to find a common ground with parents regarding the procurement of school uniforms and other required items.
Ong’ondo said that Kes. 4,000 and Kes. 15,000 allocated per student will go towards improving school infrastructure. He warned school administrators against passing the burden to parents.
He said that the government will review the facilities and even increase allocation if necessary.
Even though there has not been any additional communication from the government regarding resources like school laboratories, schools have been allowed to decide on other things like school uniforms.
Parents have also implored the government to take action against secondary school principals who are violating the Ministry of Education’s Guidelines on school fees by imposing extra levies and other hidden charges.
Some of these extra charges come from requests around Kes. 6,000 for the motivation of teachers and an additional Kes. 5,000 meant for remedial lessons.
Parents have also reported that their children have been sent home if they do not pay the said extra levies ad hidden charges before their children can return to like mattresses, cups, plates, and spoons at exaggerated prices.
Besides demanding extra levies, schools also ask parents to clear fee balances putting a strain on the budgets of parents.
The Ministry of Education has guidelines in place to ensure schools do not overburden parents with excessive fees and hidden charges. However, schools should not be allowed to perennially get away with such gross misconduct by headteachers and principals.