Jacob Kaimenyi warns over school fees
What you need to know:
- Prof Kaimenyi said the head teachers had no justification for charging higher fees since the government had increased capitation grant per student from Sh10,265 to Sh12,870.
- The Cabinet Secretary said earlier policy documents on the number of projects and amount charged per year also remain the same as consultations continue on appropriate ways to progressively implement recommendations from the Kilemi Mwiria-led taskforce.
- Prof Kaimenyi said modalities of funding new projects in schools will be spelt out during consultations and warned schools against entering into such commitments, before the matter is executed.
A row is simmering between the government and headteachers over fees charged in public schools.
In a circular to county directors, sub-county education officers and principals of public secondary schools, dated December 18, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi says schools should stick to the fees charged last year.
Prof Kaimenyi said the head teachers had no justification for charging higher fees since the government had increased capitation grant per student from Sh10,265 to Sh12,870.
The circular further refers to the government’s promise to meet the cost of national examinations starting January, next year, in a bid to cushion parents from the school fees challenge.
The Cabinet Secretary said earlier policy documents on the number of projects and amount charged per year also remain the same as consultations continue on appropriate ways to progressively implement recommendations from the Kilemi Mwiria-led taskforce.
The task force that completed and submitted its report to the President on October 29 was expected to review the unit cost of education in public schools to guide the government on appropriate fees that should be charged in public schools.
MAXIMUM CHARGE
The report proposes that day schools charge a maximum of Sh11,105, boarding Sh38,969 and special schools Sh22,830.
The team proposed that the State provides a subsidy of Sh12,870 for secondary schools and Sh32,600 for special needs category.
Prof Kaimenyi said modalities of funding new projects in schools will be spelt out during consultations and warned schools against entering into such commitments, before the matter is executed.
In the meantime, the ministry issued school management guidelines in November 24, this year, meant to guide all public schools on financing of education and cost-cutting measures.
Prof Kaimenyi sought to assure parents who have been complaining of exploitation that the government was determined to make education affordable, and to increase access, equity and quality.
“School Boards of Management should strategise on cost-cutting measures to minimise wastage and enhance accountability,” said Prof Kaimenyi.
Head teachers have been charging far above the government ceiling citing increased cost of essential products that must be procured to guarantee smooth learning particularly for boarding schools.
