Principals defend schemes for demanding extra school fees

Students from various schools jostle for spaces in a Migori-bound matatu on 04/01/2017 as shortage of vehicles due to increased demand characterized opening of schools in many towns yesterday. [PHOTO: SAMMY OMINGO/Standard]

Despite the State's high alert over illegal fee increment, school heads insist their move is justified.

Schools have been accused of using school uniforms and secret non-receipted levies to raise extra cash as students report for first term.

The argument behind fee increment by many school heads is that they need to service loans for many mega projects among them purchase of buses and building of dormitories and state-of-the-art libraries.

However, Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) vice chair Kahi Indimuli said all school heads whose schools are carrying out such projects need not to raise fees until their applications to the ministry are considered.

And the Board of Governors, Parents Association, sub-county or county education directors should be aware.

"In the application, there should be minutes of the authorised project, its cost, how long they have been servicing the loan, the balance and only then shall the ministry consider their application," said Indimuli.

DIRE CONSEQUENCES

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has warned of dire consequences if any school head flouts the set guidelines.

Last year at around the same time, an audit by the ministry revealed that 700 school heads were guilty of hiking fees, but this year, majority of them are playing safe.

However, they were spared after the intervention of their union, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet).

"Any institution that is found to be flouting the guidelines will be firmly dealt with. I wish to put school Boards that charge extra fees on notice that once we confirm any such illegalities, appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken," warned Matiang'i.

The CS also announced a crackdown on schools even as they opened yesterday.

"I, as well as my colleagues from Jogoo House, will be in various schools from January 4, to monitor the implementation of the school fees guidelines," he said.

In 2015, the CS unveiled the recommended circular on school fees, making it difficult for schools to get extra cash.

But principals devised another scheme by colluding with suppliers who inflate prices and make it a directive that all parents should comply by buying all the necessary items from a specific shop.

For example, a pair of socks that can be bought from a shop at Sh150, if bought from a designated supplier, can go for double the price.