CS Machogu Orders Schools Crackdown Over Extra Levies on Parents
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has directed education officials to stop headteachers of primary and secondary schools from imposing illegal levies on parents.
This follows complaints the CS received that headteachers were charging more fees than authorized. During a virtual meeting with regional and county directors of education, Machogu warned headteachers to comply with the guidelines set by the government.
Fees in secondary schools are capped at Ksh53,554 ($487) for National Schools and Ksh40,535 ($370) for other schools. Machogu further expressed concern that headteachers of primary schools were charging Junior Secondary Schools against government guidelines.
The government allocated Ksh15,000 ($137) to cater to JSS expenses, making it illegal to charge any kind of payment. Machogu directed field education officers to compile information on schools charging illegal fees and report them to his office for necessary action.
The CS also directed grade seven learners to continue using desks they used in grade six until the school provides them under the government’s capitation to schools. Machogu cautioned schools and parents against registering grade seven learners to sit for KCPE.
The government will not allow learners to sit for an exam with a different curriculum from the Competence Based Curriculum. He urged officers to ensure that no grade seven learner is registered for KCPE.
Machogu directed field officers to ensure that all children who sat for grade six and KCPE transit to Junior Secondary School and Form one under the 100% transition policy. He urged officers to work with the National Government Administration Officers to ensure children transition to the next level of education.
Machogu emphasized that no child should remain at home for any reason. He urged county directors of education to identify cases of children who cannot pay school fees for the government to take action.
Finally, Machogu asked education officers to keep track of Kenyan students who enroll in International Schools. This directive comes after the CS noted that many students leave the country to attend international schools, and their data is not accounted for in the Kenyan education system.
By keeping track of these students, Machogu hopes to provide better education opportunities for them and improve the Kenyan education system.
CS Machogu Orders Schools Crackdown Over Extra Levies on Parents