Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has issued a stern warning to secondary school principals, prohibiting them from increasing school fees due to capitation challenges.
This directive comes after the government said that it would not be able to pay the promised Ksh 22,244 capitation per learner per year, opting instead for the lower amount of Sh17,000.
In a clear message to school heads, CS Machogu called for the strict adherence of the Ministry’s policies, which prohibit the collection of unauthorized fees.
“It is incumbent upon you, as school leaders, to strictly adhere to prevailing policies and guidelines as issued by the Ministry of Education, regarding illegal levies,” said Machogu.
Furthermore, the CS emphasized that schools are strictly prohibited from collecting any unauthorized fees from learners and parents.
KESSHA Tables Proposal on Fee Increment
Willy Kuria, the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) National Chairman, had previously proposed an increase in fees for national schools from Ksh53,000 to Ksh69,000, citing inflation and the high cost of living.
“There was a time we had asked the state to raise school fees, by then we wanted it to be raised to Sh69,000.”
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“The Ministry has our fee increment document proposal. The whole concept of school fees and capitation should be relooked at,” said Kuria.
However, Machogu maintained that the government has set the maximum fees that each level of school can charge.
The CS also addressed the issue of withholding Kenya National Examination Council certificates, warning principals that this practice was illegal.
“These certificates are not to be withheld by schools for any reason, including non-payment of fees.”
He stressed that this was a legal requirement that must be enforced by school administrators.
“These are policy and legal requirements and I urge you to strictly enforce them,” noted the CS.
Machogu Assures Education Stakeholders
Despite the capitation challenges faced by schools, Machogu assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Education is working to create an enabling policy and legal environment for the education sector.
This includes finalizing the draft Sessional Paper and 13 Bills aimed at implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform.
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The CS commended educationists for their efforts in reorienting KCSE candidates to the new marking system, which resulted in improved performance last year.
He noted that the percentage of candidates meeting minimum university entry requirements rose from 19% in 2022 to 22% in 2023.
As the education sector seeks to address these challenges, Machogu urged principals to focus on preparing this year’s KCSE candidates for the national examination.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to making education relevant for the 21st century and ensuring a brighter future for the country’s students.
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