Schools secretly offer holiday tuition despite ban
A teacher who was arrested during a crackdown on schools conducting holiday tuition jumps from a police vehicle at Kondele Police Station in Kisumu in 2016. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
In Kaimbaga division, a parent Joseph Maina said each pupil is charged Sh350 per week and the lessons are mandatory.
In Nakuru County, a number of parents said their children were taking holiday tuition classes and maintained that the ban was not helpful.
In Narok County, the Nation established that tuition takes place in private premises in Narok town and churches.
Holiday tuition is outlawed under Section 37 of the Basic Education Act, 2012.
Many schools in Nakuru, Nyandarua and Narok counties are still secretly offering holiday tuition despite a ban on the same, a spot check by the Nation has revealed.
The lessons, offered by both secondary and primary schools, are conducted in churches, homes and schools.
In Nyandarua County, the Nation established that primary school students are supposed to be in class by 7am.
Parents revealed that the lessons are mandatory for students in class seven and eight and there is a penalty for parents who fail to allow their children to attend the lessons charged between Sh350 to Sh1, 000.
MANDATORY LESSONS
In Kaimbaga division, a parent Joseph Maina said each pupil is charged Sh350 per week and the lessons are mandatory.
“We are soon taking action against concerned teachers. They must follow the ministry of education regulations,” said Nyandarua Central deputy county commissioner Gideon Oyagi.
In Nakuru County, a number of parents said their children were taking holiday tuition classes and maintained that the ban was not helpful.
“Learners do not need so much time, a week is enough to rest. We are the ones funding the tuition,” said a parent who sought anonymity.
In Narok County, the Nation established that tuition take place in private premises in Narok town and churches.
REMEDIAL FEE
“The school administration has imposed Sh1, 000 fine for parents who fail to pay the Sh350 tuition fee. Its mandatory and the child will not be allowed back to class when schools open,” said Mr Maina.
At Simba village, Ms Mary Kimto said a local primary school attended by her granddaughter is charging Sh500 remedial fee per week.
“I have paid Sh1, 000 for my two grandchildren. The lessons are mandatory, parents or guardians who complain are advised to get an alternative school for their children. I am not happy because I expected the children to rest and assist me with farm work and domestic chores,” said Ms Kimto.
MORNING SESSION
When the Nation visited one of the institutions, it found teachers taking tea while pupils were relaxing after an early morning sessions.
However, a teacher at a public secondary school, who sought anonymity, told the Nation that they were only having remedial classes for’ weak’ students.
In Nakuru town, parents in collaboration with teachers, have rented premises from where the exercise is being conducted.
