Parents’ union in push for new secondary school fees structure

The Kenya National Association of Parents (KNAP) wants the government to release the fees structure for next year.

“Failure to release fees structure for secondary schools will give head teachers the leeway to exploit parents,” said Secretary General Musau Ndunda.

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi released a circular directing schools to stick to the fees charged this year.

However, Mr Ndunda is uncomfortable with this arrangement. Instead, he wants the government to come up with a new fees structure as per the proposals of the Kilemi Mwiria task force which sought to standardise fees.

The task force proposed that a student in a boarding school - whether national, county or sub-county - should pay a maximum of Sh38,969 while day scholars pay a maximum of Sh11,105 a year.

“The fees head teachers are charging now is what led to the formation of the Kilemi team. Its recommendations are meant to end the perennial problem of high fees in secondary schools,” he added.

He said failure by the ministry to release the official fees structure has made it difficult for parents to plan.

Mr Ndunda also wants head teachers to indicate the amount the government gives per student in the fees structures they send to parents.

Prof Kaimenyi had also promised the government would meet the cost of national examinations starting January. However, Kenya National Examination Council Website shows pupils have already registered. The process started in November 1 and ends in December 31. It is not clear if the government will reimburse the funds.

“The CS should come out clearly and explain what will happen to the money parents have already paid since most school pay the national examination registration fees in Form Three,” Mr Ndunda said.