Parents continue to voice growing frustration over the increasing number of students being sent home due to unpaid school fees.
Zablon Cheruiyot, the Kericho County representative of the Parents Association, says the trend is hurting education and causing unnecessary disruption in learners’ academic progress.
Speaking to the press in Kericho, he criticised schools for what he termed as a “rigid” approach to fee collection, saying the practice has greatly disrupted learning activities nationwide.
“Many parents are struggling under tough economic conditions, and paying full fees at once is not easy,” said Cheruiyot. “Sending children home only worsens the situation, especially for candidates preparing for their national exams.”
Cheruiyot emphasised that while schools require funds to operate, there needs to be mutual understanding and open dialogue between parents and school administrators on how to handle fee payment challenges.
READ ALSO:
“We need talks on flexible payment modalities. School heads must understand the situation many families are in,” he added.
He also urged fellow parents to fulfill their obligations by paying fees within agreed timelines to avoid unnecessary friction and to help schools run efficiently.
“Parents also have a duty. If you agree on a payment plan, honor it. That’s how we support our schools to function smoothly,” said Cheruiyot.
In addition to calling for understanding from school administrations, parents are now piling pressure on the government to urgently release capitation funds, which they say are critical in cushioning public schools from financial constraints.
“The delay in capitation is making a bad situation worse. Schools are strained, and students are the ones suffering,” Cheruiyot noted.
The concerns come amid growing national complaints from education stakeholders, including school heads and Members of Parliament, over the government’s failure to release the remaining 20 percent of capitation funds for the third term.
As the debate continues, both parents and educators agree that timely interventions are necessary to avoid further disruption of learning and ensure a stable environment for candidates ahead of national examinations.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
