Financial crisis hits schools as parents withhold fees

As learning resumed in public schools, headteachers say schools face a financial crisis.

James Okoyo, chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association in Rarieda, said most schools are unable to run smoothly due to financial difficulties. He added that due to the just-suspended teachers’ strike, parents were hesitant to pay school fees.

“Schools in this region are currently facing a financial nightmare because nobody is paying school fees. Even in boarding schools where students are on campus full time, school fees are not being paid,” he said.

He explained that a good number of schools may not be able to pay the workers and board of management teachers because parents have not paid any money and the Government has not remitted funds for third term exams.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Nyeri Executive Secretary Mutahi Kahiga, said teachers were in class physically but not emotionally. “Teachers are disgruntled, angry and demotivated, and if that constitutes being in class then, I agree the teachers are back to work,” Mr Kahiga said.

And some parents agree. They fear that their children might not get quality education considering that teachers did not get the 50-60 pay hike they were demanding and could decide not to give their best.

“We are happy that teachers called off their strike but what is worrying is the quality of education they are going to offer,” said Chesang Andiema, whose 13-year-old daughter goes to school at a public institution in Kapenguria.

Boda boda and matatu operators nonetheless appeared happy, citing a rise in business as teachers and students commuted back to school. James Kibet, a boda boda operator at Makutano Trading Centre in Kapenguria said: “The strike had occasioned a shortage in the flow of cash since we often rely on ferrying students to and from school.”