By Michael Oduor
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Taita Taveta County Executive Secretary, Mr Lenox Mshila has called upon CS for Education Prof. George Magoha to revisit the directive that students should pay their third term fees before being allowed to school.
Speaking to Education News, Mshila termed the move as a contradiction of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution which enhances basic education to be mandatory for all, stating that the CS contravened the government’s earlier directive of 100% transition. He said that a larger group of students could remain at home due to lack of funds.
“It’s clear that not all students will get the money to pay fees and they will be forced to remain at home,” stated Mshila.
Mshila reiterated that payment of school fees is very important because it’s part of the learners’ obligation while in school. However, he said that making it a forced requirement without considering the learner’s background is a bit abnormal.
“Most families are now crying over poverty due to the effects posed by Covid-19 pandemic and, therefore, if the directive is to be enforced it would only benefit the rich as those students from the humble background continue suffering,” he noted.
According to Mshila, right now children are roaming everywhere on the roads and streets risking their lives after being sent
home to get fees arreas.
