Parents Brace for Higher School Fees as Reopening Looms
Parents with high school students may face increased fees as schools prepare to reopen on Monday, January 6. This development follows concerns raised by the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, and Hospital Workers (KUDHEIHA) about delayed government capitation funds.
The Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program, launched in 2008, provides tuition grants to students to uphold the right to education. However, KUDHEIHA Secretary General Albert Njeru warned on Thursday, January 2, that if these funds are not released in time, parents of Form 2 to Form 4 students will need to cover additional costs to sustain school operations.
“Capitation ensures schools function smoothly. Without it, parents must pay more to cover staff wages, student needs, and operational expenses,” Njeru explained.
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The fee hike will help schools meet daily demands and support casual workers. However, over 500,000 subordinate staff members in secondary schools face job losses after the Ministry of Education declared their roles redundant, effective January 1.
Njeru urged the government to create clear policies for managing capitation and supporting laid-off workers, suggesting their absorption into Junior Secondary Schools.
Since 2008, capitation per learner has gradually increased, rising from Ksh10,625 to Ksh22,244 in 2018. While tuition fees are fully covered by the government, parents are still required to pay boarding fees set by the Ministry of Education.
In addition to potential fee hikes, parents are grappling with rising costs of school essentials like uniforms and books. KUDHEIHA is now appealing to the government to reverse its redundancy decision and secure jobs for affected workers in Junior Secondary Schools.
Parents Brace for Higher School Fees as Reopening Looms
