Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has recommended disciplinary measures against Alliance Girls High School Principal Margaret Njeru after investigations revealed she presided over an unauthorised fee increase that nearly doubled the approved charges.
According to a circular signed by Julius Ogamba, dated 29 th April,2026, the principal presided over an illegal fee increase from the required Sh53,558 to Sh120,179 without approval from the Cabinet Secretary, in violation of Section 29(2)(b) of the Basic Education Act, 2013.
“The unauthorised fees structure was imposed without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary as by law required, and is therefore contrary to Section 29(2)(b) of the Basic Education Act, 2013,” read part of the letter.
The letter, which was addressed to Acting Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Evaleen Mitei, Ogamba, said the principal facilitated the adoption of a budget containing “non‑essential and unrealistic expenditure items,” which contributed to the unlawful hike.
The CS, in a separate communication to the Regional Director of Education Sabina Aroni, noted that the ministry’s Quality Assurance and Standards Directorate had recommended the dissolution of the school’s board of management.
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The report found that the board had approved questionable expenditure in the 2025/2026 Financial Year (FY), which inflated the budget and burdened parents.
Among the items flagged were Sh1.1 million for moral and spiritual activities, Sh16 million for annual trips, Sh13 million for prize‑giving and speeches, Sh5 million for prize vouchers and sweets, and Sh3 million for airtime and administrative allowances.
The report further highlighted a meeting held on October 16, 2025, where the board approved Sh25 million for a five‑day staff trip to Dubai. The school management was then tasked with bridging a Sh13 million funding gap, a decision the ministry described as reckless and inconsistent with prudent financial management.
Ogamba directed that the report be tabled before the County Education Board for consideration and appropriate recommendations, stressing that both the principal and the board had failed in their duty to safeguard parents from unnecessary financial strain.
By Masaki Enock
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