Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has admitted he lacks the authority to discipline school principals who impose illegal fee increases and levies, instead shifting responsibility to lawmakers and other agencies.
Speaking in Mombasa while closing a workshop for the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), Ogamba said efforts to act against errant principals are often thwarted by political interference.
“I do not have powers to punish principals who have increased school fees and imposed other levies because whenever I try to do so, they run to their MPs, who always shield them from punishment,” he said.
The CS, however directed county education directors to compile a list of schools that have unlawfully raised fees. The list will be forwarded to Members of Parliament, with the expectation that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will be summoned to address the issue.
Ogamba urged principals to comply with the ministry’s directive prohibiting fee hikes and unauthorised levies, warning that those found culpable will be reported through the new mechanism.
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At the same event, he issued a stern warning to TVET tutors against engaging in sexual exploitation of students in exchange for grades, terming the practice a criminal offence.
His remarks followed concerns raised by Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Dr Esther Muoria, who revealed that some tutors have been involved in inappropriate relationships with students, including cases of pregnancy.
“When the law catches up with you, there will be no defence that it was a mutual agreement. You hold a position of authority over the students, and that is why the law will punish such conduct,” Ogamba said.
Despite the concerns, the CS commended TVET tutors for their contribution to equipping learners with practical skills for the job market, underscoring the sector’s importance to national development.
“Technical and vocational education and training is central to Kenya’s economic transformation. It is the bridge between our young people and productive livelihoods,” he said.
Ogamba noted that Kenya’s development agenda—including Vision 2030, Africa Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals—places strong emphasis on skills development.
He stressed that the country’s future competitiveness will depend on the quality and adaptability of its workforce, calling for transformative and accountable leadership within training institutions.
By Juma Ndigo
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