Parents in Western region to dig deeper into their pockets

Kenya: Parents of Form One students who have been admitted to national schools in Western Kenya will be forced to pay "high fees" for their children to join the institutions.

While Butere Girls High School, the only national girls school in Kakamega County, is charging a total of Sh75,005 per year, inclusive of school uniform, Kakamega Boys school fees stands at Sh93,083.

John Kisasati, a parent, said he has been forced to forfeit places in prestigious schools and has taken his son and daughter to a day school. "Because of the high fees charged and extra levies, I have been forced to take them to  aschool I can afford," he said.

His son Abiud Juma who scored 390 marks had been admitted to Chavakali High School in Vihiga County while the daughter, Mildred Nafula who scored 364, was to join Nangina Girls in Busia County.

Kakamega High School parents are required to pay Sh66,450 per year plus Sh3,871 for PTA, Sh2,000 for a blazer, Sh4,500 for power mechanics and electricity, Sh6,000 for aviation, Sh1,400 towards PTA welfare and Sh1,000 for computer literacy.

And those admitted to Chavakali High School have to pay Sh64,500 per year. In addition, the school charges Sh15,000 per student for uniform and boarding material.

"I don't know if I will be able to raise all the items and the money before this week ends. If I fail I will take her to another school," said Mercy Masitsa, a parent whose daughter is waiting to join Lugulu High School.