The National Parents Association (NPA) has called for an immediate crackdown on school heads allegedly demanding between KSh1,000 and KSh3,000 from parents to finance examination prayer days, briefings and other activities, warning that the practice amounts to financial exploitation of families during a sensitive examination period.
In a strongly worded statement, NPA National Chairman David Silas Obuhatsa demanded urgent intervention by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Ministry of Education and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to stop unauthorised collections, investigate complaints and ensure affected parents receive refunds.
The association expressed particular concern over reports that some learners were being sent home to collect money from their parents, a practice it wants stopped immediately.
“Reports that some school heads are demanding KSh1,000–KSh3,000 from parents for examination prayer days, briefings and related activities are extremely concerning. We are particularly alarmed by reports that learners are being sent home to collect these amounts,” the statement reads.
“This must stop immediately.”
The association said schools should not impose additional financial burdens on parents under the guise of examination preparations, particularly where the activities and collections have not been officially authorised.
NPA demands refunds and investigations
Obuhatsa called on the Ministry of Education and TSC to identify schools that have collected money for examination-related activities, establish the amounts involved and determine who authorised the collections.
He said schools found to have collected money without proper authorisation should be compelled to refund parents, while appropriate administrative action should be taken against those responsible.
“The NPA demands that any school that has collected money for an unauthorised examination prayer day or related activity immediately refund the affected parents,” the association stated.
“Where money was collected without official receipts, the matter should be urgently investigated.”
The association also wants the DCI to investigate credible allegations of coercion, fraudulent collections, misuse of funds and other suspected offences arising from examination-related fundraising.
It urged investigators to examine substantial collections made without proper documentation where available evidence suggests possible wrongdoing.
According to the NPA, parents who paid money without receiving official receipts should not be discouraged from reporting the incidents.
“Parents who have no receipt should not be discouraged from reporting. They should preserve M-Pesa messages, bank statements, WhatsApp messages, school circulars, letters, witnesses or any other evidence showing that money was demanded or paid,” the statement says.
The association advised parents to report suspected irregularities privately to their nearest Sub-County Director of Education or DCI office, accompanied by whatever supporting evidence they possess.
It further called for protection of parents and learners who provide information about suspected illegal activities.
Calls for restrictions on gatherings and tighter examination security
Beyond the financial concerns, the association called for the suspension of non-essential gatherings involving parents and other external stakeholders within school compounds unless specifically authorised.
The demand follows what the association described as confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case in Kenya and enhanced government public-health preparedness.
“Schools should not be used as venues for unnecessary mass gatherings at this sensitive time,” the NPA stated.
The association maintained that any permitted gatherings should comply with official public-health guidance.
It also warned that unnecessary meetings, prayer days and visits by outsiders could create security vulnerabilities at examination centres.
“The examination period demands maximum security,” the statement reads.
The NPA said school heads must ensure that access to examination centres remains strictly controlled and that parents and other visitors are not allowed into restricted examination areas without express authorisation.
“Unnecessary prayer days, parent meetings and other gatherings must not become avenues for interference with examination security or create opportunities for examination malpractice,” the association warned.
However, it clarified that the warning was not directed at parents generally, but at individuals who might exploit school gatherings to interfere with examinations.
Obuhatsa urged government agencies to act before the situation escalates, arguing that examination security, learner welfare and parental protection must take precedence over unauthorised activities.
“These are sensitive examination days. Kenya cannot afford unnecessary school gatherings, uncontrolled access to examination centres, financial exploitation of parents or activities that could compromise examination integrity,” the statement reads.
The association concluded by demanding immediate enforcement rather than delayed or selective intervention.
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“The NPA therefore calls for immediate enforcement, not promises, delays or selective implementation.”
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