The Ministry of Education (MoE) has begun a crackdown on schools charging illegal levies, directing its field officers to visit all basic learning public institutions to ensure they have followed the gazetted school fees guidelines.
In a circular issued today signed by the Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr Belio Kipsang’, all county and Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDE) have been asked to utilize the multi-agency approach to ensure that all schools in their respective jurisdictions comply with the structured ratios of 50:30:20 for the three terms respectively.
“County Directors and Sub-County Directors of Education should utilize a multi-agency approach to ensure adherence to the authorized fees structure and implementation of Free and Compulsory Basic Education. Every Sub-County and County Director of Education will be held liable for any breach within their area of jurisdiction,” directed Dr Kipsang’.
All schools have further been required to fill fees declaration forms, which should be countersigned by the SCDE and thereafter submitted to the MoE headquarters in Nairobi by February 9, 2024.
In the circular, the PS reiterated that primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) are predominantly day schools, and therefore no fees should be charged.
It further required schools not to sell or stock uniforms and boarding items, stating that lunch programmes for day secondary schools is optional and no child should be denied schooling for failure to pay.
“Regional, County and Sub-county Directors of Education should bring to the attention of the Principal Secretary any School Principal, Board of Management and Head Teacher charging unauthorized levies,” the circular read, which comes a few days after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned of stern action against teachers who turn away JSS learners for lack of school uniform.
By Education News reporter
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