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Parents in Rongai, Kajiado County, have rejected a proposal by KESSHA to increase school fees, saying the move would worsen the financial strain already facing many households due to the high cost of living.
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They claim that despite the government’s prescribed fee structure and capitation for public secondary schools, many institutions continue to charge significantly higher amounts, leaving families struggling to keep their children in school.
Parents in Rongai, Kajiado County, have rejected a proposal by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) to increase school fees, saying the move would worsen the financial strain already facing many households due to the high cost of living.
The parents claim that despite the government’s prescribed fee structure and capitation for public secondary schools, many institutions continue to charge significantly higher amounts, leaving families struggling to keep their children in school.
Speaking to Education News, several parents questioned the effectiveness of the government’s capitation programme, arguing that they are paying far more than the official amount.
“I end up paying more than Ksh12,000 instead of the Ksh5,372 stated by the government for my Form Four child in a day secondary school,” said a boda boda operator.
Many of the parents, most of whom depend on small-scale businesses and informal trade for their livelihoods, said a fee increment would be unsustainable amid declining incomes.
Ann Wambui, a clothes vendor, said financial hardship had forced her family to make painful decisions regarding heir children’s education.
“My daughter has remained at home while her sibling continues with school because I cannot afford to pay fees for both of them due to poor business,” she said.
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The parents urged the government to ensure schools adhere to the approved fee guidelines and to strengthen measures that would make education more affordable for low-income families.
They also blamed the government for the increasing cases of unrest and indiscipline in schools, arguing that policies governing student discipline have weakened the authority of both teachers and parents.
According to the parents, fear of legal consequences has discouraged teachers and parents from taking firm disciplinary action against errant learners, contributing to rising cases of indiscipline in schools.
“The government should allow teachers and parents to discipline students through appropriate measures, including corporal punishment, alongside guidance and dialogue. We were caned while growing up, and it helped instill discipline,” said parent Nicolus Kisulu.
They called on the government to review both education financing and student discipline policies to ease the burden on families and restore order in schools.
By Ochola Victor
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