Parents of Litein Boys High School have moved to court to challenge the unexplained and excessive levies following a series of student unrest that has seen the school demand millions in damages.
The controversy erupted after the school, located in Bureti Constituency, Kericho County, was closed indefinitely following a violent student strike that resulted in property damage and the suspension of classes.
In the aftermath, parents were slapped with a bill of Ksh69 million, translating to Ksh49,699 per student, a figure the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) is now contesting in court.
Through their legal representatives, the PTA claims the recurring unrest has become a financial burden to parents and alleges a possible pattern of exploitation by the school’s administration.
“The first strike, parents paid without questioning. The second, they did the same. This is now the third time, and the pattern is suspicious,” said a lawyer Danstan Omari representing the PTA.
Parents’ Response to Imposed Damage Fine
Some parents have gone so far as to accuse the school’s management, including the principal, of deliberately instigating unrest to justify large-scale fines.
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The PTA argues that part of the damages, including a burnt dormitory, should be covered by government infrastructure funds, not parents’ contributions.
They also argue that the figure demanded was not reached through a transparent process.
“The Ksh69 million has not been itemized. Parents don’t know where this amount is coming from. This is beginning to look like a criminal enterprise”Â
Teachers have also claimed they lost personal property worth Ksh30 million during the chaos, further complicating the financial demands.
Audit of Litein Damages
In response, the PTA has called for a full audit of destroyed property, as well as the money collected in previous incidents.
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From their own independent assessment, they propose that each student should only pay Ksh10,000, not the imposed Ksh49,699.
“The pattern is suspicious, every time there’s a strike, parents are asked to contribute large sums of money. We want accountability and transparency,” said one parent.
Despite the legal tussle, the school board has released a phased reopening schedule, with students expected to return in three groups between October 9 and October 16.
The case has sparked a debate on how public schools handle unrest, accountability in school management, and the financial burden placed on parents.
The court is expected to make a ruling on the matter.
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