Jacob Kaimenyi launches toll free number to push for implementation of sector policies

Nairobi, Kenya: Education Cabinet secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has launched a toll free number for the public to push for effective implementation of education policies.

He said the number- 0800720940-shall be used to report cases of hiked school fees, holiday tuition and misappropriation of Government resources by persons entrusted to manage them.

The toll free number was an initiative of the Elimu Yetu Coalition (EYC) to enhance public participation and to improve accountability in the management of school resources.

Speaking after the launch, Kaimenyi said the length people can go to breach Government policies is worrying and asked the public to be alert.

“Parents and other education stakeholders, and of course civil society organisations such as Elimu Yetu Coalition must wake up to put us to account,” said Kaimenyi.

He said holiday tuition, hiked fees, corporal punishment, forced repetition of classes and wanton wastage of public resources are issues of concern.

EYC national coordinator Janet Muthoni said the recent revelations that schools heads had inflated enrollment figures by over 240,000 is testimony that theft of school resources is alive.

“We now want the teachers, parents and concerned members of the public to call and report the issues for action,” said Muthoni.

She said secondary school heads have not heeded to the fees guidelines and reported that additional levies are still reflected on fees structures.

“Some do not put the levies on the fees structures but they still push parents to pay,” said Muthoni.

She said EYC has made available the toll free number in solidarity with the Government.

“The coalition launches a toll free Centre that will give Kenyans a platform to provide information freely on the adherence of schools to guidelines and policies of the ministry. We believe that citizens have a key role to play in making the right to education of the Kenyan children a reality,” said Muthoni.

She was speaking during the coalition general meeting held at Kenya institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

She said EYC shall gather data and in collaboration with the directorate of secondary education, follow through to ensure appropriate action is taken to enforce full compliance with the guidelines.

“We also have a team of lawyers that will be taking up pilot cases so that a strong message is sent that it is no longer business as usual when it comes to the protection of the right to education of children,” said Muthoni.