SCHOOLS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO DEMAND UNAUTHORIZED FEES FROM PARENTS.
According to the PS, the Education Cabinet Secretary is required by the Constitution to provide free and compulsory basic education to all Kenyan children who are old enough to attend school.
Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary of Education, has ordered all schools to stop requesting payment from parents for fees that exceed the permitted secondary school fee guidelines.
According to the PS, primary and junior schools represent the majority of day schools, and capitation is how the Ministry of Education meets the necessary tuition costs.
"To be clear, public and junior schools will not charge any fees," Kipsang stated in a February 2 circular to County and Regional Directors of Education.
The PS further stated that all schools must complete the fee declaration form in the format specified by the Ministry, with a countersignature from the Sub County Directors of Education.
"Every Sub County and County Director of Education shall be accountable for any violation that occurs within their respective purviews. Hard and soft copies of all completed forms must be delivered to the Ministry headquarters by February 9th. Sample formats have been given to you. Soft copies should be submitted via the directorsecondary@education.go.ke," Kipsang instructed.
According to the PS, the Education Cabinet Secretary is required by the Constitution to provide free and compulsory basic education to all Kenyan children who are old enough to attend school.
He lamented, however, that despite the Ministry issuing circulars to clarify its position, public schools, including elementary, junior, and secondary, are allegedly fees that are not authorized.
In a similar vein, he stated that the Ministry had issued a circular on May 30, 2023, prohibiting school administrators from stocking or selling uniforms and other boarding supplies, and all educational institutions were instructed to adhere to the directive.
"All secondary schools must adhere and comply with authorized fees structure under Kenya Gazette notice No 1555 of March 2015 payable in the spread ratio of 50 percent, 30 percent, and 20 percent respectively," stated the PS.
school lunch program
According to Kipsang, the lunch program in day schools is optional, and no child should be excluded from attending because their parents are unable to pay for it.
"Regional Directors, County Directors, and Sub County Directors should bring to the attention of the Principal Secretary, any school principal, board of management, and head teachers charging unauthorized levies," the Superintendent of Schools advised.
In a similar vein, he said that the multi-agency approach should be employed by County and Sub County Directors of Education to guarantee compliance with the approved fee schedule and the execution of free and mandatory basic education.
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