- Parents in Nyamira County have accused some schools of imposing harsh fee payment conditions that are keeping learners at home.
- They say schools are demanding full fee clearance before readmission despite the difficult economic conditions facing many families.
- The parents are calling for flexible payment plans to prevent learners from missing classes and examinations.
Parents in Nyamira County have joined their counterparts in Kisii County in raising concern over what they describe as an inhumane school fees policy that is locking learners out of class.
According to the parents, when schools reopened after the short break, some school administrations demanded full payment of second-term fees and clearance of all outstanding balances before learners could be readmitted. They say the requirement is beyond the reach of many households already struggling with the high cost of living.
“Majority of the children from poor homes are now at home because of these hard conditions,” the parents said.
“We know we cannot report to school empty-handed. Let the principal have a human heart and accept what we give them as instalments. The schools are ours; they are not running away overnight,” said Timisisno Obara, a parent who spoke on behalf of others.
The parents spoke at Ibara Village under the leadership of Bishop Johanas Osogo of Rachael Maria Church. They appealed to the Cabinet Secretary for Education to intervene urgently before the situation worsens and more learners drop out of school.
They argued that locking out learners over unpaid fees contradicts the government’s policy on 100 per cent transition and learner retention, particularly in rural areas where household incomes are low and unpredictable.
Learners already affected
The impact of the policy is already being felt by individual learners.
A Form Four student from a girls’ school in Nyamira said her parent owed the school KSh2,500. When they visited the school together and paid KSh700 as part of the balance, the principal reportedly received the money but still sent the learner home.
The student said she is now waiting until the end of the month when her parent expects to receive tea payments that will enable them to clear the balance and return her to school.
“I’m scared of being left behind by my classmates who are busy revising notes for examinations,” she said.
Efforts to reach the Nyamira County Director of Education for comment were unsuccessful.
Nyamira County Executive Committee Member for Education Emily Ongaga, when contacted, referred this writer to the Director of Education under the national government.
READ ALSO: Goons invade Chemelil Sugar Academy, rob principal and deputy
The parents are now calling for flexible fee payment plans that would allow learners to remain in school as parents gradually clear outstanding balances.
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
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
