CS Ogamba Cracks Down on Illegal School Fees, Warns Principals

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has cautioned that unapproved charges imposed by head teachers will attract discipline as the ministry prepares to crack down and curb the increasing cases of student unrest in schools.

While addressing the Mbiriri Comprehensive School Education Day held in Nyeri County on Saturday, 18 th July, Ogamba said the ministry has already responded to some school principals who had demanded extra charges from students against the government fee structure.

“Where that happens, and it is brought to our attention, we are now taking action against the principals. Unless the levy has been approved, gone through the required process, accepted by parents and cleared under ministry protocols, it should not be charged,” Ogamba said.

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CS Julius Ogamba’s Response to School Unrest, Including Investigations into Root Causes and the Application of the Law

According to the CS, schools are authorized to seek extra fundraising for the development of projects.

However, it is reported that any contributions should be pre-designed, approved by the ministry, and agreed upon by parents before collection.

Ogamba linked financial constraints to discipline in schools.

He called on administrators to intensify working with learners as a measure of overcoming the underlying issues causing unrest in several of the nation’s institutions in the past few weeks.

He mentioned the unrest at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School in Kisii County, where students damaged school property.

The CS condemned the situation and said the government would ensure the law is implemented and would also look into the reasons behind the unrest.

“The law will take its full course on that incident. This time we need to go deeper and establish the root cause of these challenges because we do not want a situation where schools are experiencing indiscipline, or students are torching dormitories,” he said.

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The Role of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Curriculum in Enhancing Student Engagement and Practical Learning

The CS also reflected on effective communication between school management, parents, and learners, stating it is crucial to the stability of the learning environment and the future preservation of the school.

On the same occasion, the chairman of the Mbiriri Comprehensive School Board, Mrs. Purity Ngina, lauded the use of the Competency-Based Education curriculum.

“The CBE curriculum has revolutionized learning and performance assessment by allowing learners to put into practice what they learn,” she said.

Ngina pointed out that the curriculum provided the opportunity for learners to display projects and talents, which she observed as contributing to students’ motivation and resulting in less boredom in class.

The Ministry argued that the implementation of agreed-on levies and discussions in the schools are key to managing discipline and lessening upsets throughout the nation this term.

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Utumishi Fire Tragedy, CS Julius Ogamba connected financial pressure to discipline in school Unrest. Credit the Standard