NAIROBI, Kenya — As schools across the country open for the 2025 academic year, the Ministry of Education has warned school heads against the imposition of unauthorized levies on parents.
Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing the practice, which has sparked widespread complaints among parents.
“We will not tolerate any attempts by heads of institutions to impose irregular charges,” Ogamba said.
He affirmed that field officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive, reinforcing the ministry’s stance against additional, unapproved levies.
The directive comes amid growing discontent from parents over various unofficial charges, such as teacher motivation fees, funds for examination papers, budget support, and tuition.
These levies, often imposed outside the official fee structures, contravene the ministry’s regulations, which stipulate that any additional costs must be pre-approved during parents’ meetings supervised by education officials.
“The circular on payment of fees must be complied with by every head of institution,” Ogamba reiterated, adding that education officers are under strict instructions to enforce this policy.
Ogamba also warned school heads against sending students home for fee arrears, assuring that the government is working to ensure timely disbursement of capitation funds.
“No learner should be sent home over fees arrears. The ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to ensure capitation money reaches schools promptly,” he said.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi supported this commitment, announcing that capitation funds would be released by January 31.
“Even if the entire amount isn’t available immediately, at least half of the Sh48 billion will be disbursed,” Mbadi promised.
Of the Sh48.38 billion earmarked for the first tranche, Sh4.1 billion is allocated for public primary schools, Sh15.3 billion for Day Junior Secondary Schools, and Sh28.9 billion for Day Secondary Schools.
This funding aims to facilitate smooth operations as schools embark on the new academic year.
Parents have frequently voiced frustration over the arbitrary imposition of additional levies, often without prior consultation or approval in annual parent meetings.
The ministry’s regulations require that any proposed additional costs undergo a rigorous approval process involving parents and ministry officials before implementation.
By reinforcing these guidelines, the Ministry of Education aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure that school fee structures remain transparent and regulated.
Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing the practice, which has sparked widespread complaints among parents.
“We will not tolerate any attempts by heads of institutions to impose irregular charges,” Ogamba said.
He affirmed that field officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive, reinforcing the ministry’s stance against additional, unapproved levies.
The directive comes amid growing discontent from parents over various unofficial charges, such as teacher motivation fees, funds for examination papers, budget support, and tuition.
These levies, often imposed outside the official fee structures, contravene the ministry’s regulations, which stipulate that any additional costs must be pre-approved during parents’ meetings supervised by education officials.
“The circular on payment of fees must be complied with by every head of institution,” Ogamba reiterated, adding that education officers are under strict instructions to enforce this policy.
Ogamba also warned school heads against sending students home for fee arrears, assuring that the government is working to ensure timely disbursement of capitation funds.
“No learner should be sent home over fees arrears. The ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to ensure capitation money reaches schools promptly,” he said.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi supported this commitment, announcing that capitation funds would be released by January 31.
“Even if the entire amount isn’t available immediately, at least half of the Sh48 billion will be disbursed,” Mbadi promised.
Of the Sh48.38 billion earmarked for the first tranche, Sh4.1 billion is allocated for public primary schools, Sh15.3 billion for Day Junior Secondary Schools, and Sh28.9 billion for Day Secondary Schools.
This funding aims to facilitate smooth operations as schools embark on the new academic year.
Parents have frequently voiced frustration over the arbitrary imposition of additional levies, often without prior consultation or approval in annual parent meetings.
The ministry’s regulations require that any proposed additional costs undergo a rigorous approval process involving parents and ministry officials before implementation.
By reinforcing these guidelines, the Ministry of Education aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure that school fee structures remain transparent and regulated.
