- Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba says no public school may introduce new levies without approval from parents and the Ministry of Education.
- The ministry has begun disciplinary action against principals imposing unauthorised charges.
- Ogamba also urged school leaders to strengthen dialogue with learners to curb unrest and promote discipline.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has intensified its crackdown on the illegal collection of school levies, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba warning that no public school is permitted to introduce new charges without the approval of both parents and the ministry.
Speaking during Education Day celebrations at Mbiriri Comprehensive School in Kieni, Nyeri County, Ogamba said the government will no longer tolerate the growing trend of schools imposing unauthorised financial demands on parents under the pretext of funding development projects or meeting operational costs.
The CS emphasised that every proposed levy must follow the legal approval framework before schools can collect money from parents.
According to him, the process requires consultation and approval by parents through the appropriate school structures before the proposal is submitted to the Ministry of Education for consideration and authorisation.
He made it clear that any levy introduced outside the established legal procedures is illegal and should not be charged to parents.
“Unless the levy is approved and has gone through the process, accepted by the parents and passed through the ministry protocols, then it becomes legal and can be charged. But if it is a charge that has not been approved, it is not supposed to be charged to parents,” Ogamba said.
Principals face disciplinary action
The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that the ministry has already begun taking disciplinary action against principals who have ignored government guidelines by introducing unauthorised charges.
He warned that school administrators who fail to comply with the regulations risk administrative sanctions as the ministry strengthens oversight of financial management in learning institutions.
The latest warning comes amid persistent complaints from parents across the country over rising education costs despite continued government investment in free and subsidised basic education through capitation.
While schools often face financial pressures arising from inflation, infrastructure development and operational demands, Ogamba maintained that such challenges cannot justify imposing levies that have not received the necessary approvals.
He urged principals and Boards of Management to uphold transparency, accountability and prudent financial management, noting that trust between schools and parents can only be maintained through strict adherence to the law and open consultation whenever additional funding is required.
Beyond financial management, the Education CS challenged school leaders to strengthen dialogue with learners as an effective strategy for addressing student grievances before they escalate into unrest.
He observed that recent incidents of strikes and destruction of school property underscore the need for school administrators to create safe platforms where students can freely express their concerns.
According to Ogamba, strong guidance and counselling programmes, responsive leadership and regular engagement between administrators, teachers and learners are critical in nurturing peaceful learning environments and promoting discipline in schools.
CBE showcases innovation
The Education Day celebrations also showcased the practical achievements of Competency-Based Education (CBE), with learners exhibiting innovative projects, creative works and practical skills acquired through the new curriculum.
Speaking during the event, National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chief Executive Officer Dr Purity Ngina, who also chairs the school’s Board of Management, commended the transformation that CBE has brought to Kenya’s education system.
She said the curriculum is empowering learners to become confident communicators, critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers by shifting the focus from memorisation to the practical application of knowledge and skills.
Dr Ngina praised the learners’ ability to demonstrate real-life competencies through exhibitions and presentations, saying the displays reflected the true objectives of CBE in preparing young people for higher education, entrepreneurship, employment and lifelong learning.
Her remarks echoed the Ministry of Education’s vision of producing graduates equipped with competencies that respond to the changing demands of society and the labour market.
Strengthening accountability
The government’s latest directive on school levies signals a renewed commitment to protecting parents from unlawful financial burdens while strengthening accountability in public schools.
At the same time, the ministry is encouraging school leaders to embrace participatory leadership, sound financial governance and learner-centred management practices that promote discipline, innovation and quality education.
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As education reforms continue to evolve, the Ministry of Education has reiterated that compliance with the law, transparency in school administration and meaningful engagement with both parents and learners remain essential pillars in delivering equitable, accessible and high-quality education for every Kenyan child.
By Hillary Muhalya
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