Education CS Fred Matiang’i has warned school principals against hiking school fees as the new academic year begins in January 2017.
He said the ministry will keenly monitor the enforcement of the fees guidelines with firmness akin to the new examination administration rules this year.
“Both overt and covert means will be enforced to ensure that the government policy on school fees is implemented to the letter,” said Matiang’i when he officially launched Form One selection in Nairobi Tuesday.
He said schools should ensure the fees remain at the ceilings set in the Gazette Notice No.1555 of March 2015 and as guided by a presidential directive of August 19, 2016.
Further, he noted that the fees should be appropriately spread throughout the year in the ratio of 50-30- 20 for the three terms respectively.
He tasked regional coordinators and county directors of Education to ensure the rules are strictly adhered to.
He asked the officers to employ all sanctions including barring any defaulting principal from being a signatory to school accounts.
He at the same time asked parents to pay the exact amount devoid of any additional charges.
“To the best of my knowledge, no school has been allowed to levy fees beyond the set ceiling. Consequently, parents are advised to pay the exact amount of fees provided for in the Gazette Notice,” he said.
Parents are to report any cases of additional charges to their respective Regional Education Coordinators and County Directors of Education.
“Boards of Management in schools are expected to run schools using fees set within the set ceilings and should institute suitable austerity measures to ensure that the cost of education remains affordable to all parents,” he added.
County Education Boards should take appropriate action, including revoking the appointment of any Board of Management in schools where the guidelines are violated.