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St. Theresa Eregi Girls High School parents have expressed concern over what they describe as an increasing financial burden after the school issued a lengthy list of requirements that must be met before learners return from the ongoing mid-term break.
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According to school memo, students will only be allowed back to school after fulfilling several financial obligations, including clearing any outstanding school fee balances and paying a number of additional charges.
Parents of students at St. Theresa Eregi Girls High School in Kakamega have expressed concern over what they describe as an increasing financial burden after the school issued a lengthy list of requirements that must be met before learners return from the ongoing mid-term break.
According to a communication sent to parents, students will only be allowed back to school after fulfilling several financial obligations, including clearing any outstanding school fee balances and paying a number of additional charges.
Among the requirements are; an Academic Improvement Fund contribution of Ksh 2,000 per term and a Guiding and Counselling Welfare fee of Ksh 300.
Grade 10 students have also been directed to purchase two royal blue cotton trousers through a designated school supplier at a total cost of Ksh 3,000, in addition to paying an ICT development fee of Ksh 1,000.
Form Four students taking Physics and Geography are required to pay Ksh 2,500 for an academic trip to Mbita Island, while those studying History must pay the same amount for an educational tour to Nakuru.
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The school has also introduced a KEMIS registration fee of Ksh 300 alongside the requirement for students to bring reams of printing paper.
The demands have sparked concern among some parents who argue that the timing is particularly challenging given the prevailing economic hardships facing many Kenyan households.
Several parents questioned whether schools are taking into account the rising cost of living, saying that families are already struggling to meet basic needs, including food, transport and healthcare expenses.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to keep up with the numerous requirements issued by schools every term. By the time a child returns from mid-term, parents are expected to have raised thousands of shillings in addition to school fees,” said one parent who requested anonymity.
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Others argued that while some of the charges may support educational activities and school development programmes, the cumulative cost places a heavy burden on families with more than one child in school.
The latest requirements have reignited debate over the balance between enhancing learning opportunities and ensuring that education remains affordable and accessible to all learners.
By Andrew Kakhame
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