Release school fees structure, CS Jacob Kaimenyi told

NAIROBI: Pressure is mounting on Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi to release next year's secondary school fees structure in good time.

Parents, a teachers' union and a civil society organisation yesterday petitioned Prof Kaimenyi to "come clean" on the new structure "or state whether the current arrangement shall be used next year".

"The school fees task force report is out and realistic costing for secondary education has been done. We demand that Kaimenyi talks to parents this early so that they can prepare for January," a joint statement by Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and Elimu Yetu Coalition (EYC) reads in part.

Kenya National Parents and Teachers Association (KNPTA) Chairman Nathan Barasa said parents will not pay higher fees next year. He advised all parents not to pay fees until Kaimenyi releases new guidelines.

"Parents know the new report findings and shall not pay fees until the Cabinet Secretary makes a statement," said Mr Barasa.

However, Kaimenyi declined to respond.

Speaking to the Press Tuesday, Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori and EYC Co-ordinator Janet Muthoni cautioned Kaimenyi against sitting on the report.

"We heard that last week he said parents will still make a decision on the fees. We warn him not to make such a mistake because that is what has made fees unbearable," said Ms Muthoni.

"We ask the Cabinet Secretary to release relevant circulars stating clearly this Government's road map on next year's secondary school fees," she added.

Misori challenged Kaimenyi to "make the bold step and operationalise the findings of the Kilemi Mwiria team".

OPERATIONAL COSTS

"The task force was set up by him. They have released a report, and January is three weeks away. Parents must know how much they will pay this early for them to prepare," he said.

The task force proposed two secondary education-financing options that would effectively ease parents' burden on school fees. Under the first option, learning in day schools would be completely free if the State pays a capitation grant of Sh23,975 per child.

This would mean the Government meets all costs on teaching and learning materials, related operational costs and lunch.

If this option is adopted, boarding and special needs schools would charge Sh33,108 and Sh16,704 respectively.