KNUT tells the Government to provide free education

KNUT officials. (Photo:Standard/File)

BY JAMES MBAKA

Nairobi, Kenya: A teachers union wants the government to waive examination levies charged on both KCPE and KCSE candidates

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) says the exam charges were exorbitantly high, forcing some students to fail to register with the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec)

Some school principals, especially those from rural areas, have been on the spot for exaggerating the amounts and ripping-off unsuspecting parents by raising illegal additional costs including meals and transport for invigilators and supervisors.

Three KNUT officials from Kisii County want parliament to fast track the passage of a bill before the National Assembly, seeking to allow every child to enjoy the right to education

Led by KNUT's Gucha branch boss Sam Nyairo, the executives Charles Mokua (Kisii south) and Shem Nyaundi (Kisii central) emphasised the need for the Government to enhance access to education saying such a waiver would save parents an estimated Sh2 billion when Form Three and Class Seven students would be registered next year.

“We want to ask the Government to live up to its promise to provide free education and increase the transition rate from primary to secondary school by ensuring that all students who qualify to be examined are registered,” Nyairo pointed out.

The national examinations in primary and secondary schools bill have already been approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Budget Allocations and would be tabled in Parliament in a few days.

Currently KNEC charges Sh800 for KCPE candidates and an average of Sh5800 for those sitting KCSE examinations depending on the number of subjects being examinable to each candidate.