Kuresoi North Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Mutai and his Molo counterpart Kuria Kimani have cautioned school principals against arbitrarily increasing fees in both primary and secondary schools.
The MPs termed the practice unlawful and exploitative, stating that the government’s directive should be adhered to.
They said there has been a surge in complaints from parents over rising school fees, warning that any school heads found culpable will face strict disciplinary action.
Mutai spoke at By-Gum Primary School in the Sirikwa area during the launch of five new classrooms constructed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“Those school principals who are extorting parents be warned, that the school fee hike will amount to sabotaging the government and painting the ministry in a negative reputation,” said Mutai.
“We can’t allow a few individuals to do business in schools, yet parents are going through hard economic times. You either stick to ministry guidelines or be treated as criminals,” he added.
The legislator noted that despite many learners benefiting from sponsorships by the government, financial institutions and well-wishers, some principals are still increasing fees.
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“We have some learners either sponsored by the NG-CDF, others by financial institutions and others by well-wishers, but some greedy characters increase fees to profit from this vulnerable Kenyan. This must stop,” Mutai warned.
On his part, Kimani addressed residents at Elburgon DEB Senior School, where he disbursed bursary cheques worth Ksh60 million to support needy students from junior secondary school to university.
“We cannot allow daytime robbery to go on in our institutions of learning which disadvantages learners from humble backgrounds. Education must remain the equalizer for all,” said Kimani.
The MPs called on security teams led by county commissioners to investigate and take action against principals accused of extorting parents, saying this will help restore sanity in the education sector.
Kimani also urged the Ministry of Education to ensure timely disbursement of resources to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
Their remarks come a day after the Ministry of Education took disciplinary action against the principal of Alliance Girls High School, highlighting growing scrutiny over school management practices.
By Kimutai Langat
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