Kuppet Calls For Urgent Release of New School Fee Guidelines To Avert Economic Crisis.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (Kuppet) wants the Ministry of Education to issue new fee guidelines to help parents weather the current economic downturn.
Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori stated on Wednesday that many parents have voiced concern about recent fee increases in some boarding schools throughout the country.
Mr. Misori notes that, in light of current economic conditions, the state must issue new guidelines on school fees.
He says this must be done as soon as possible to avoid any misunderstanding between stakeholders in education.
According to Mr. Misori, most parents are unaware that the increases were mandated through a participatory process led by school boards that included parents’ representatives.
He states that due to recent economic trends, boarding schools are finding it difficult to provide services such as housing and meals without raising parent fees.
Prices of cereals, other foods, and necessities such as cooking oil have more than doubled in the last year alone, according to KUPPET.
Misori states that prices have tripled since the government last set school fees.
He claims that the current increase in school fees was forced by unavoidable economic imperatives.
Since then, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has asked school principals not to send students home to pay school fees.
Prof. Magoha stated that any school principal who violates the fee guidelines will face legal consequences.
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The Ministry of Education requires school boards of management (BOMs) to seek approval from the Ministry’s county boards of education before raising fees.
The government released Sh16.9 billion as learner capitation for the 2022 second term this term.
Secondary schools received Sh14.2 billion in funding, while primary schools received Sh2.7 billion.
School administrators have been complaining about the ministry’s low funding, claiming it is insufficient to keep schools running smoothly.
Kuppet Calls For Urgent Release of New School Fee Guidelines To Avert Economic Crisis.