Parents Protest Ksh25,000 Reconstruction Levy at Gatunguru Boys High School.
Parents of students at Gatunguru Boys High School in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, protested on the school grounds after being told each parent must contribute Ksh25,000 towards the reconstruction of dormitories that were destroyed in a fire incident.
The fire that occurred on 7th September 2025 destroyed the school’s dormitories. No one was injured in the incident. Students were sent home and have been out of school for more than two weeks now, disrupting the academic calendar.
According to the School Board of Management communication, parents were asked to clear all outstanding fees and in addition contribute Ksh25,000 each to facilitate the reconstruction works. Parents felt the demand was too high and that students would be denied access to learning if the amount was not paid.
One parent said families were already struggling to meet school fees and household expenses and that the additional Ksh25,000 was unaffordable. Another parent said Form Four students were losing valuable class time ahead of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams and that the directive was unfair.
A parent also complained that despite clearing school fees his child was not allowed to go back to school due to the imposed levy. Parents called for government to intervene and relieve them of the extra burden.
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The school administration defended the directive. The Board of Management said the contribution had been reduced from an earlier proposed Ksh50,000 after an assessment by officers from the Department of Public Works.
Board Chairperson Peter Macharia said their priority was to get students back to school and provide them with accommodation before the national exams. “Our priority is to get the students back to school and provide them with accommodation. The Ksh25,000 was the fairest compromise after consultations,” Mr. Macharia said.
Parents Protest Ksh25,000 Reconstruction Levy at Gatunguru Boys High School.
