Review your fees, MPs tell private schools

What you need to know:

  • KPSA Chairman Ernest Wangai triggered the reaction from MPs by his plea to the government to set up a revolving fund from which investors could borrow to develop more schools.
  • But the proposal triggered a torrent of questions and observations from committee members who asked it to address the issue of exorbitant fees they charge parents.
  • Kajiado County Woman Representative Mary Seneta said that there was need for a policy to guide establishment of private schools, lamenting that some lacked proper infrastructure.

Private schools have been put on the spot for the high fees and other levies they demand from parents.

Members of a parliamentary committee termed the exorbitant fees most private schools charge as an impediment to many Kenyans’ dream to get education.

The matter came up during a session between Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) and Education Committee of the National Assembly, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly

KPSA Chairman Ernest Wangai triggered the reaction from MPs by his plea to the government to set up a revolving fund from which investors could borrow to develop more schools.

The fund should be factored in the national budget or be sourced  from donors or international lender, he said.

The fund should be administered by banks to support the expansion of access to education especially secondary schools.

“Proprietors of private schools can then borrow from this fund at a concessionary rate or interest,” said the chairman.

TORRENT OF QUESTION

But the proposal triggered a torrent of questions and observations from committee members who asked it to address the issue of exorbitant fees they charge parents.

The MPs lamented that high school fees in most private schools was an impediment to education for many Kenyans.

“You have to go back to the drawing board and look at the fees that private schools charge parents,” said Mr Melly

Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga, too, said private schools should review their charges which has pushed their services beyond the reach of many Kenyans.
“Profit making should not be the priority of private schools but to offer quality and affordable education.

Kajiado County Woman Representative Mary Seneta said that there was need for a policy to guide establishment of private schools, lamenting that some lacked proper infrastructure.

But Mr Wangai defended the private schools, saying that they were playing an important role in the development of education.

He hit out at Education cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi saying he does not accommodate divergent views on education issues.