Government Introduces Ksh 5m Fine for Parents
The Ministry of Education is advocating for stringent measures, including hefty fines and imprisonment, in a bid to ensure children’s right to education is upheld, as outlined in the proposed Basic Education Bill of 2024.
According to the proposed legislation, parents may face fines of Ksh5 million if they prevent their children from attending school due to parental conflicts, religious beliefs, cultural reasons, or employment-related matters. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of allowing children to enjoy their right to education without any hindrance.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu highlighted during the 70th University of Nairobi graduation on December 15, 2023, that offenders would be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million or a maximum prison term of five years, or both.
The proposals also address circumstances where parents seek to excuse their children from school. Headteachers will be empowered to direct parents to return students to school if they find no reasonable grounds for the child’s absence.
Failure to comply, after a written notice, may result in a fine of up to Ksh500,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both.
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Additionally, parents who neglect to ensure their child’s admission to school during the designated period may face a fine of Ksh100,000.
The Ministry emphasizes the seriousness of this offence, with possible penalties including a fine not exceeding Ksh100 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.
These proposed regulations stem from the recommendations put forward by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, led by Professor Raphael Munavu.
The Ministry aims to enforce these measures to strengthen the education system and uphold children’s right to uninterrupted learning.
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Government Introduces Ksh 5m Fine for Parents
