Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has issued a stern warning to school principals against increasing school fees despite the recent government cut in capitation. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns from parents and guardians about the financial burden of educating their children.
The Kenyan government recently decided to reduce capitation funding for secondary schools, citing budgetary constraints and the need for fiscal prudence. This decision has sparked a heated debate among education stakeholders, with many school administrators arguing that the reduction will strain already tight school budgets.
In a press conference held yesterday, CS Machogu emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. He reiterated that any attempts by school principals to increase fees in response to the capitation cut would not be tolerated.
“The reduction in capitation is a necessary measure to manage our national budget effectively. However, this should not be used as an excuse to burden parents with additional fees. We must explore other avenues to manage our resources better,” Machogu stated.
The capitation cut means that schools will receive less funding per student, which could impact various aspects of school operations, including infrastructure maintenance, procurement of learning materials, and payment of non-teaching staff. Some school principals have expressed concern that the reduced funding will compromise the quality of education.
However, CS Machogu urged school administrators to adopt innovative solutions and efficient resource management practices to mitigate the impact of the capitation cut. He highlighted that the Ministry of Education is working on guidelines to help schools navigate this challenging period without compromising on educational standards.
Parents and guardians have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some understand the government’s position, many are worried about the potential financial strain. Jane Wanjiku, a parent from Nakuru County, voiced her concerns, saying, “We are already struggling to keep up with the current school fees. Any increase would be unbearable for many families.”
To address these concerns, the Ministry of Education is set to roll out a communication campaign to educate parents on the government’s measures and reassure them that no additional financial burden will be imposed on them.
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