As over 965,000 students nationwide prepare for their KCSE final exams, 85 candidates from Dedan Kimathi Memorial School in Tetu Constituency, Nyeri County, missed their rehearsal day, typically held before exams begin.
The absence was due to a disciplinary issue two weeks ago, an attempted strike at the school resulted in the shattering of 25 classroom windows. The students were sent home following the incident.
Parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the school administration, citing financial demands that have left them with questions. Initially, each parent was asked to pay Kshs. 9,285 to cover damages, which was later adjusted to Kshs. 4,200 per student.
Wilson Mwangi, a parent, noted that in addition to being sent home, students’ personal effects were damaged. Upon their return, Form 4 students found the school closed for all other classes, with Forms 1 to 3 having already begun their December break.
Another parent, Hellen Njoki, voiced the collective frustration of parents who are unwilling to pay the new fee of Kshs. 4,200 without clarity on how the amount was determined.
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School board chairman George Muthui responded, saying all concerns raised by parents have been addressed. He added that representatives from each class will meet with the school board to calculate the total damages, which parents will cover as students proceed with their exams.
KCSE began this week on Tuesday with practical and foreign languages papers after rehearsal done last week Friday October 18, 2024.
By Rodgers Wagura
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