Hard Times For Parents As School Fees Are Set To Increase Before Monday Reopening .
Hard Times For Parents As School Fees Are Set To Increase Before Monday Reopening . As Kenyan schools prepare to reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025, parents are bracing for potential increases in school fees, particularly at the high school level. The Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Hospital Workers (KUDHEIHA) has raised concerns that delays in government disbursement of capitation funds could compel schools to pass additional costs onto parents.
KUDHEIHA Secretary General Albert Njeru highlighted that without timely government funding, schools might struggle to meet operational expenses, including salaries for subordinate staff and procurement of essential learning materials. This financial strain could lead institutions to increase fees to bridge the funding gap.
The Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program, initiated in 2008, provides capitation grants per learner to cover tuition fees, thereby alleviating the financial burden on parents. However, with the current uncertainty surrounding the release of these funds, schools may find it challenging to maintain operations without seeking additional contributions from parents.
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In response to these concerns, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has issued a stern warning to school principals against increasing school fees. He emphasized that any fee adjustments must receive approval from the Ministry of Education, underscoring the government’s commitment to keeping education affordable for all Kenyan families.
Parents are advised to stay informed about official communications from the Ministry of Education and to engage with school administrations to understand any potential changes in fee structures. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are urged to collaborate in ensuring that the financial challenges do not impede students’ access to education as the new academic year commences.
