Private schools cry foul over exam fees

Private schools have protested against the recent government promise to pay exam fees for candidates only in public schools.

It’s unfair and discriminatory, complained the Kenya Private Schools Alliance on Friday.

The alliance’s Kisumu County chairman, Mr Charles Ochome, said since basic education was a right, no child should be discriminated on the basis of where they schooled.

PUPIL'S RIGHTS

“The children in our schools are not private. They belong to the government and have the same rights as those in public institutions,” he said.
Ms Carmeline Tado, the director of Temudo Schools in Kisumu, said they were saddened by the announcement.

“Parents who have children in private schools pay taxes to the government that is now discriminating against them,” she said.

Deputy President William Ruto told the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association conference taking place at Sheikh Zayed Children Centre in Mombasa that the government would waive fees for all primary and secondary school candidates this year but did not say if those from the private schools would benefit.

Mr Ruto announced that Sh4 billion had been set aside for payment of registration of KCPE and KCSE examinations fees.

Mr Gallecipinus Akuku of the Disciples of Mercy, Nyahera said the pupils’ rights were being violated.

“Since when did the right of education of a pupil in a private school disappear?” he asked.

Directors and proprietors of private schools called on the government to rescind the announcement.
There has been no response from officials in the Ministry of Education.