By Kipilat Kapusia
The headache of learners being sent home for fees continues to disturb many parents in pastoral areas. In West Pokot County, many learners are being sent back home for fees just few days after reopening schools.
This is despite bursaries being issued by the County Government, the National Constituency Development Fund [NGCDF] and the National Government capitation sent to all schools across the Country.
A month ago, the West Pokot County Government launched a bursary fund worth Shs 435 million. Leaders and education stakeholders from the area are now faced with the unbecoming behavior that disrupts learning and has lowered the education standards.
The leaders who spoke at Ortum Secondary School noted that the habit, especially in West Pokot County was illegal and it was unfair to deny learners the chance to continue with their studies.
“I have been a Principal and I used to engage parents. The National Government gives Shs 22,000, the County Government gives 25,000 making it Shs 47,000 plus MPS Shs 5,000.Even if the economy is bad it is not okay. Many partners want our children to learn. School heads should have mercy,” said West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin.
West Pokot Kenya National Union of Teachers [KNUT] Executive Secretary Martin Sembelo said that parents should negotiate with teachers on issues concerning school fees.
“Parents are your clients .We do not want to see children on the streets every month,” he said.
The Secretary called on schools, tertiary colleges and other higher education institutions to have extraordinary understanding and allow learners to stay in schools as parents continue looking for money.
He added that sending away students exposes them to many dangers like teenage pregnancies and drug abuse.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers [KUPPET] Branch Secretary, Alfred Kemuto also at the event faulted some school heads over misuse of bursary funds.
“School principals are given funds and after a few days funds are missing,” he said.
Sigor MP Sigor called for an integrated bursary system as Siyoi MCA asked parents to be responsible.
“This will help us know who has gotten what and who has not got,” said Lochakapong, the MP.
A parent with two high school students, Ms Jackline Chelagat, said that sending away students exposes them to many dangers.
“It’s is bad to see learners loitering in towns,” she said as she lamented that school heads are increasing school fees in schools therefore becoming a burden to parents in the county.
She called on the school heads to reduce school fees citing that many children are forced to stay at home because their parents are unable to meet their school fees.
“School heads in the county should follow government school fees guidelines by not adding extra fees,” she said.
Mr Phillip Lomong’in, another parent echoed Chelagat’s sentiments saying that some of his colleagues cannot sustain timely fees payment and need more time to look for the money citing high cost of living.
Mr Lomong’in called on the Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, to intervene in the matter, noting that parents in the area are faced with numerous challenges of high poverty levels, draught and hunger.
However, West Pokot Teachers Service Commission [TSC] Director Bernard Kimachasi called on teachers to be in school all the time.
“If fees have been paid, why you are not in school,” he said.
