Education CS Issues Nationwide Warning to School Principals

The Cabinet Secretary for Education has issued a nationwide warning to school principals over the illegal increment of school fees and the imposition of unauthorized levies.

Speaking amid growing complaints from parents, Education CS Migos Ogamba emphasized that any adjustments to school fees outside the ministry’s approved framework are unlawful and will attract disciplinary action.

“The policy on increments on school fees and extra levies is not allowed, is outlawed by the ministry. We have issued guidelines, we’ve issued circulars on what the school fees is for senior school and boarding,” said Ogamba.

He further revealed that the ministry has received numerous reports from aggrieved parents accusing school heads of unilaterally increasing fees without proper authorization, in direct violation of the law.

Reports of Widespread Non-Compliance

According to the CS, the ministry has documented widespread non-compliance, with some principals allegedly acting in collaboration with Boards of Management to impose the unapproved charges.

“And we have found that we have had reports from very, very many parents that some heads of institutions have increased the school fees without approval from the ministry as required by the Basic Education Act. And some of them have been supported by their board of management,” he stated.

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Enforcement Measures Rolled Out

In response, the Education Ministry has mobilized its field officers, including county and sub-county education officials, alongside Teachers Service Commission (TSC) representatives, to enforce compliance.

“We have instructed all our field officers, our county and sub-county education officers, both from the ministry and from the TSC to ensure that all the institutions are adhering to these circulars,” Ogamba said.

He added that officers have been empowered to take action against non-compliant school heads, including making formal recommendations that could trigger disciplinary proceedings.

“Where they find that a head of institution or a principal is not adhering to the circulars, they have recommendations to make in accordance with the law. And thereafter, the normal disciplinary processes under the law will follow,” he warned.

Also Read:TSC Ordered to Discipline Alliance Girls Principal for Charging Double the Approved Fee

Call for Immediate Compliance

The CS concluded by urging all school leaders to strictly adhere to the ministry’s directives to avoid punitive consequences, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting parents from exploitation.

“And so I’m just encouraging all the principals and heads of institutions to ensure that they adhere to these circulars,” he said.

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Students pictured in City street going home
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