Govt Proposes Ksh 5M Fine for Parents Who Prevent Kids From Attending School
Parents may face a penalty of Ksh5 million for obstructing their children’s attendance at school due to disagreements between parents or for reasons related to religion and culture.
As outlined in the 2024 Basic Education Bill, the Ministry of Education is advocating for the unhindered enjoyment of the right to education for children.
Prohibiting a child from going to school due to employment-related factors was identified as a violation, carrying a penalty of Ksh5 million or an alternative of five-year imprisonment.
“No person shall prevent a child from attending school on account of employment, religion, parental conflict or cultural practices or any other ground.
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“A person who contravenes sub-section commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million or to a period not exceeding five years or both,” the Ministry proposed.
Conversely, the Ministry has put forward stringent regulations that will dictate situations in which parents can exempt their children from school attendance.
Within the proposed changes, school principals will be authorized to instruct parents to ensure their child’s return to school.
“Where the institutional administrator finds there are no reasonable grounds for the child’s failure to attend school, the institutional administrator shall issue a written notice to the parent of the child requiring that the parent comply with the provisions of this Act and submit a report on the child to the County Education Board
“Any parent who without a reasonable cause and after a written notice from the institutional administrator fails to comply with this section commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh500,000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both,” read the proposals in part.
Other Offences Facing Parents
Moreover, a guardian who neglects to ensure their child’s enrollment in school within the stipulated admission period will incur a penalty of Ksh100,000.
“A parent or guardian who fails to take his or her child to school as required under subsection (1) commits an offense. A person who contravenes this section shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh100 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both,” the Ministry proposed.
The Ministry formulated the latest rules based on the suggestions put forth by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, with Professor Raphael Munavu heading the task force.
Govt Proposes Ksh 5M Fine for Parents Who Prevent Kids From Attending School
