- Parents in Kisii County have accused some school principals of imposing harsh readmission conditions following the reopening of schools.
- The parents claim some schools are demanding full fee clearance and additional requirements before learners can return to class.
- Education officials say no learner should be denied access to school over fees during the first two weeks of reopening.
As schools across the country reopen this week following a temporary closure to curb mysterious fire outbreaks, parents in Kisii County have raised concerns over what they describe as unfair readmission conditions imposed by some school principals.
The closure was directed by the Ministry of Education earlier this month to allow safety audits and inspections following a wave of arson incidents reported in several counties.
However, parents claim some principals used the break to introduce strict requirements, even in schools that were not affected by fire incidents.
Fee Clearance Demands Spark Complaints
Parents who spoke to Education News in Kisii town said they were shocked by the conditions placed before their children could return to class.
“Some schools that had no fire incident are now asking us to clear all fee arrears in full before our children are readmitted,” said one parent from Kisii Central Sub-County.
“This was not the agreement when schools closed.”
Another parent said some principals were insisting on clearance forms and full fee balances, effectively locking out learners whose families are still struggling financially.
“They took advantage of the closure. Many of us were not prepared for these new conditions,” the parent said.
Parents Cite Financial Strain
Among the conditions reported by parents are demands for full clearance of school fee balances, presentation of clearance certificates from the previous term and mandatory purchase of school items from specific suppliers.
Parents argue that the timing is unfair, given that many households are still recovering from the financial strain caused by the abrupt closure and the reopening of schools.
A senior officer from the Kisii County Education Office, speaking to Education News, said the office was aware of the complaints and had begun engaging school heads.
“We have received reports from some parents and we are following up with the affected schools. The Ministry’s directive is clear: no learner should be denied access to class over school fees during the first two weeks of reopening. Principals must comply,” said the officer.
The official added that disciplinary action would be taken against any school found to be violating the directive.
Parents were also encouraged to report such cases to their respective Sub-County Education Offices.
Parents are now calling on the Kisii County Education Office and the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure that no learner is locked out of school.
READ ALSO: Lessons Kenyan youth can learn from Lionel Messi’s historic sixth World Cup appearance
“We understand schools need fees to operate, but punishing children during reopening defeats the purpose of education,” said a parent representative.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
