Confusion continues to surround the fine imposed on students of Litein Boys High School following the recent unrest at the institution.
An assessment conducted by the State Department of Public Works placed the cost of damage at Ksh69 million, meaning each student will be required to pay ksh49,600 to cater for repairs.
However, a section of parents has faulted the figure, terming it unrealistic and unaffordable.
Joyce Tonui, a parent of a Form Two student, said the school had included other expenses in the total cost that were not part of the destruction caused by the students.
“The school has added costs such as painting and renovation of drainage systems, which were not damaged during the unrest,” said Tonui.
Speaking to the press, Tonui also questioned the variation in figures, noting that the initial estimate had been quoted at Ksh99 million.
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“We don’t understand how the figures have changed. The whole process lacks transparency,” she added.
Tonui further questioned the decision to reopen the school before addressing the issues that triggered the unrest, including calls for the transfer of Principal Richard Sang, whom parents have accused of mismanagement.
Another parent, Lydia Langat, whose son is in Form Three, also raised concerns over the compensation claims made by some teachers.
“The amount claimed to have been lost by teachers cannot be verified. Some claim losses of Ksh459,000, while others say ksh557,000. These inconsistencies are worrying,” Langat said.
The parents, who are proposing that the fine be reduced to Ksh10,000 per student, said they had lost confidence in the school administration and warned that reopening the school prematurely could trigger another wave of unrest.
Meanwhile, the school administration has announced a phased reopening, with Form Two students expected to report on October 9, Form Threes on October 13, and Form Fours on October 16.
By Kimutai Langat
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