Education CS Fred Matiang'i to engage head teachers on proposals to increase fees

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. He has said the Government will engage school heads on fees' increment. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has said the Government will engage school heads on fees' increment.

The CS said over 90 per cent of public schools have complied with the fees guidelines issued by the ministry, adding that many schools have poor infrastructure.

Speaking to head teachers during the 41st Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) meeting in Mombasa yesterday, Dr Matiang'i said the ministry had received proposals on school fees and was ready to dialogue with the teachers.

"We are ready to have a dialogue on this issue of increasing fees. The fact is almost 40 per cent of our schools charge far below the set ceiling. Over 90 per cent of all the schools have adhered to the guidelines but we are ready to talk and see by how much should be raised," said Matiang'.

The CS warned that the Government will deal ruthlessly with head teachers whose schools will be caught cheating in national examinations and hold them personally responsible for the vice.

Matiang'i said he was happy with the newly constituted examinations council and urged teachers to prepare their students well as there would be no room for cheating.

"If your school was used to cheating in the national examinations, you'll be exposed this year as cheating has been made very difficult," he said.

But the CS cited the poor infrastructure like inadequate classrooms, hostels, furniture and boarding facilities as the biggest impediment to quality learning.

"I recently visited a certain school and I was saddened when I found students taking their meals outside because they lacked a dining hall," he said, adding that he personally initiated a fund-raiser to construct one and was glad that the fund has so far hit the Sh2 million mark.

He called on parents to complain less when called upon by the Government to support the subsidised fees programme, and the press to stop sensationalising the issue of fee guidelines.

The CS promised to work with the heads' association on all matters concerning education including the fees guidelines, curriculum development and examination management.

"I know most teachers do a good job and will not be part of the lynch mob to criticise everything teachers do," Matiang'i said.

He called on teachers to utilise the resources in their schools well.