The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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As schools prepare to reopen in less than a week, uncertainty has emerged over the fees payable by day secondary school students, following mixed messages from the Ministry of Education and a senior lawmaker.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has pointed to government guidelines on the implementation of senior school education issued to principals in November, saying they rely on an outdated Gazette Notice.
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He argues that the guidelines are instructing schools to factor in an extra Ksh.9,374, effectively shifting the cost burden to parents.
Nyoro expressed concern that principals are being directed to reduce government capitation from Ksh.22,244 to Ksh.12,000 per learner starting January, with parents expected to cover the difference.
He blamed the confusion on the ministry’s failure to give clear direction, leaving schools to rely on the attached Gazette Notice when drawing up new fee structures.
In response, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba dismissed claims of a fee increase, insisting that the January fee structure remains unchanged and is guided by the 2019 circular currently in use.
Speaking by phone, CS Ogamba reaffirmed that the government will continue to provide Ksh.22,244 per learner annually for Free Day Senior School education, directly countering assertions that parents would be required to pay additional fees.
The Ministry further emphasized its position in a statement, noting that approved fees remain capped at Ksh.53,554 for boarding schools in major urban centres, Ksh.40,535 for other boarding schools, and Ksh.12,790 for Special Needs Schools.
It stressed that these amounts have not been revised and that schools are not allowed to exceed them.
To address the ongoing debate, CS Ogamba announced that a fresh circular will be issued by Friday to provide clarity and eliminate speculation over possible fee increases.
Nyoro also raised alarm over delays in the absorption of Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, accusing the government of failing to meet its teacher recruitment commitments, a situation he said is placing additional pressure on schools.
He criticized the Teachers Service Commission’s move to issue renewal letters to interns, calling for their confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms and dismissing claims of inadequate funding as unacceptable.
Former Education CS and Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i echoed these concerns, arguing that the delays reflect misplaced priorities. He questioned whether resources spent on other government activities could be redirected to support education and teacher employment.
With schools set to reopen, attention now turns to the new circular promised by the Education Cabinet Secretary, which many hope will finally bring clarity on school fees and ease tensions among parents, teachers, and school administrators.
