Following the Kakamega High School fire on the 6th of November 2021, parents were slapped with a total of Sh. 21 Million in damages with each learner paying Sh. 9823. However, the fine has now been suspended following a court hearing on the issue.
Hon Justice W.M. Musyoka was ruled in the parents’ favour by declaring that the decision of the school’s board is annulled until further notice.
He further stated that the next hearing will be held on Tuesday the 30th of November.
“The applicant is hereby granted leave to commence Judicial Review proceedings, more specifically to apply for the prerogative order to certiorari to bring into this court and quash the resolutions of the Board of Management meeting held on November 10, 2021,” reads part of Hon Justice W.M. Musyoka’s ruling.
Parents had complained about the high fines they were ordered to pay with learners reporting with no fee or the set fine being turned away at the entrance to the school. The presence of the police at the school’s entrance was also an issue that surprised parents who revealed that they felt intimidated.
Parents had been directed to clear all fee arrears up to the second term as well as pay Sh. 9823 before being allowed to enter the school.
In the staggered reopening, Form 4 students were to report on the 15th of November, Form 1s on the shall report on the 21st of November, Form 2 on the 23rd of November and then Form 3s will report on the 25th of November.
Parents had also sought the assistance of the Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to come to their rescue. However, it has not been revealed whether he actually chipped in to help the parents.