Major towns in Nandi County were dotted with different school uniforms as principals of various schools sent back students over unpaid fees. Education News reported that any student with outstanding fees was not permitted to remain in the school premises.
A group of students who spoke to Education News at Kobujoi, Nandi Hills, Kapsabet, Mosoriot, and Kabiyet alleged that they were sent back home from Wednesday to Friday last week, immediately after returning from their August holiday. Some in Form Four implored their principals to give them a little more time to prepare for Ksce.
“Most of us in form four went to school with some fees, the administration should have accepted it and allowed us to prepare for KCSE as our parents toil for the balance,” said Sharon, a student from a school within Kapsabet.
Parents, on their part, blamed the government for having schools open before the end of the month.
“Why is the government still sticking to the COVID-19 calendar where the beginning of the second and third terms began before the end of the month when we are penniless?” asked Mr Sambai, a parent in Kaptumo.
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A school principal who spoke to Education News on condition of anonymity said that they were finding it hard to contain students at school with empty coffers.
“Up to Friday, there was no sign of capitation funds as pledged by the cabinet secretary. So, I decided to do what would help contain my students at school,” he said.
The principal further noted that there was a need for the government to wire capitation funds one to two weeks before the start of the school calendar to avoid disruptions.
Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Migos Ogamba promised the disbursement of the third term’s capitation funds to schools, a promise that many Heads of Institutions say had never been fulfilled before, as of last Friday.
Nandi County has over 200 boarding secondary schools, accommodating more than 8,000 students.
By our reporter
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