- Parents in Bomet and Kericho counties have raised concerns after learners were sent home over unpaid school fees.
- They say the move disrupts learning despite the Government announcing the disbursement of capitation funds to schools.
- The parents are calling on education officials to intervene and ensure learners remain in class as families seek money to clear outstanding fees.
Parents in Bomet and Kericho have questioned the Government’s commitment to keeping children in school after some learners were sent home over fees.
This is despite assurances by President William Ruto that capitation funds had been disbursed to schools.
The parents said the continued sending home of learners over fees contradicted Government directives to school heads and threatened to disrupt learning during the term.
Students from several schools, including Chepkoton Girls, Kipsigis Girls, Chepkutung Secondary, Simoti Girls, Moi Siongiroi and Kabungut Boys, said they were denied entry after reporting to school.
Some students said they were turned away at the gates, while others claimed they were denied books and other learning materials.
Parents seek more time to raise fees
Joyce Kilach, a parent from Sotik in Bomet, said many families were struggling to raise fees because they depend on tea farming for their livelihoods.
“We rely on tea farming, and we have not received any money yet since the month is not over,” Kilach said.
She said sending children home at the beginning of the term would interfere with their studies and appealed to school heads to allow parents more time to raise fees.
“Sending our children home at such a time disrupts learning. We are asking the heads of schools to give us time to look for the money,” she added.
Margarett Maritim, a parent from Bureti in Kericho, said the situation was even more difficult for students who travel from distant counties.
“Some schools in the area have also sent back students who come from as far as Garissa, Mombasa and Tana River counties. We are asking Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba to urgently intervene,” Maritim said.
She urged the Government to ensure that its directive against sending learners home was implemented across all schools.
The parents also demanded action against school heads who continue sending learners away, saying education should not be unnecessarily interrupted because of financial difficulties.
Parents raise concerns over learners’ welfare
Ann Soi from Bomet East said the welfare of learners should take precedence over fee collection.
“Some school heads are focusing on enriching themselves rather than protecting learners. Sending children home affects them mentally and exposes them to various risks,” Soi said.
She said prolonged absence from school could affect students academically and expose them to insecurity and other dangers.
The parents questioned why learners were still being sent home despite the Government’s announcement that capitation funds had reached schools.
They said the situation raised questions about the implementation and enforcement of Government policies, particularly where school administrators appeared to disregard official directives.
Education officials urged to intervene
The parents called on education authorities to urgently visit affected schools, establish why learners were being turned away and take appropriate action where Government instructions had been violated.
They further urged school heads to engage parents on fee challenges and allow learners to remain in class while families seek ways of meeting their obligations.
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The parents said keeping children in school was essential to protecting their education, mental wellbeing and safety.
By Kimutai Langat
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