Age-old pain for parents as they grapple to pay fees, other costs

Moi Girls School Nairobi candidates prepare for their KCSE exams. [File, Standard] The New Year brings little cheer for parents who face a relentless uphill battle preparing their children for the new school term. As schools reopen tomorrow, the excitement of fresh beginnings has been overshadowed by skyrocketing costs, logistical nightmares, and unrelenting demands from both schools and government policies. The reopening is also shrouded in uncertainty, with chronic financial crises that have plagued institutions over the years and potential challenges in the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. However, the most pressing concern for parents is how they will pay the first term's fees, especially as some schools have demanded full payment before the first week of the term ends. Parents interviewed by The Sunday Standard lamented the surging prices of essentials such as uniforms, textbooks, and stationery, which have nearly doubled, leaving many scrambling to make ends meet. A message seen by The Sunday Standard reveals that some schools, particularly national institutions, are demanding parents pay first-term fees in full by the first week of reopening. For example, a parent whose child attends a national school reported being instructed to settle fees by Thursday, January 7. This year, parents face a particularly costly reopening due to the merging of some Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) subjects, which necessitates the purchase of new textbooks. Parents report high demand for these books, compounded by widespread shortages. "Bookstores have asked us to return next week for the textbooks we're required to buy, but schools will have reopened by then," one parent lamented. This demand has driven up the cost of learning materials. A half-dozen pack of pencils that previously cost Sh460 now sells for Sh570, another parent shared, highlighting yet another strain on family finances. Logistical issues are also adding to parents' woes. Many are struggling to secure transport for their children as buses and shuttles fill up quickly ahead of the January 6 reopening. "I tried booking a bus for my son from Kisii to Nairobi on January 6, but they were fully booked. Even shuttle services were unavailable," a parent explained. Adding to this year's reopening complexity is a directive from President William Ruto. All learners must register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) upon reporting back to school. "I'm asking all parents to accompany their children when schools reopen so we can register all learners under Taifa Care and plan for their health needs," President Ruto announced during his Jamhuri Day speech at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. While this directive may ultimately benefit learners by replacing the now-defunct EduAfya insurance scheme, it further complicates the reopening process for parents already stretched thin. Parents with children in boarding schools face additional uncertainty as schools prepare to reopen on January 6. The Ministry of Education had announced it would consider lifting the ban on boarding facilities if they address deficiencies identified during audits. However, no report has yet been issued confirming that any institutions have met the requirements. These deficiencies include the absence of fire extinguishers and inadequate entry and exit points. Charles Ochome, chairman of the Kenya Private Schools Association, noted that discussions with the Ministry of Education are ongoing. "We have been engaging with the ministry and the schools to address the gaps identified. Institutions will be reassessed for compliance before January," Ochome said. Nonetheless, the lack of clarity over which schools will remain open has left parents scrambling to find alternative arrangements for their children. In addition to rising costs, many parents report that schools have introduced extra levies, further burdening families despite a government ban on such charges. For instance, a parent with a child at Moi Forces Academy in Lanet said they were asked to pay Sh3,000 for remedial lessons. "School administrators continue to impose unapproved fees, ignoring the government's directive, despite the tough economic times," the parent said. The Ministry of Education's fee guidelines state that parents with children in Category A secondary schools-national and extra-county schools in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret-should pay Sh53,554 annually. Category B schools, which include other boarding schools outside these cities, are capped at Sh40,535. But enforcement of these guidelines remains weak, allowing school heads to levy additional charges unchecked. School heads argue that their financial struggles stem from delayed disbursement of government funds and a reduction in the amount allocated. Johnson Nzioka, chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), emphasized the importance of timely capitation funds. "The release of capitation funds is crucial, especially during this unique time as we transition to Grade 9 under CBC. Schools need resources for day-to-day activities and to repair damaged facilities," Nzioka explained. Without these funds, schools face significant challenges in maintaining operations, adding to the stress faced by parents and learners alike. lnyaundi@standardmedia.co.ke

Age-old pain for parents as they grapple to pay fees, other costs

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