KERICHO, Kenya — A group of parents from Litein Boys High School has moved to court to challenge the school’s decision to impose a Sh49,000 fine per student following a dormitory fire that sparked unrest within the institution.
Through their lawyer, the parents argue that the surcharge is unlawful, arbitrary, and discriminatory, claiming the school’s Board of Management acted without conducting a proper investigation into the incident.
They have petitioned the court to suspend the fine pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
According to court filings, the parents accuse the school of meting out collective punishment contrary to government guidelines that discourage blanket penalties in public learning institutions.
They further contend that the imposed amount is excessive and has placed an unfair financial burden on families already grappling with school fees and rising living costs.
“This is a collective punishment that violates the principles of fairness and natural justice,” one of the petitioning parents told reporters outside the courthouse.
The controversy has drawn national attention, with education activists and local leaders calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene and issue clear policy directions on how schools should handle cases of vandalism or property damage.
A senior education officer in Kericho County confirmed that investigations into the fire are still ongoing, urging stakeholders to exercise patience until the official report is released.
The case underscores growing tensions over accountability and discipline in public schools, following similar disputes in Nandi and Nyeri counties, where parents also challenged mass fines imposed after incidents of student unrest.
The High Court is expected to issue directions on the matter later this month, a ruling that could set a precedent for how institutions address damages resulting from school disturbances across the country.
