Schools carry huge fees arrears burden, Education chief states
By KNA, June 13, 2023Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has attributed the financial constraints facing public schools to huge fees arrears.
Kipsang urged parents to take their responsibility seriously despite economic challenges.
“Kindly support your schools so that they are managed better,” the PS stated.
He made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Rift Valley Regional Education official Lawrence Kaburu during the Annual General Meeting and prize giving day at Kabarnet High School in Baringo.
The PS urged parents to support school Boards of Management by paying authorised fees, which, he said, would go a long way in facilitating management of activities and programmes of the learning institutions.
The PS, however, commended a majority of parents investing in the future of their children, noting that they will reap the rewards of their success.
The County Director of Education Japhet Masibu also called on parents not to delay paying school fees, saying most learning institutions were flexible and allow payments in installments.
Masibu made reference to Kabarnet High School, where, he said, parents owe the institution close to Sh26 million in fees arrears.
If the trend is allowed to continue, Masibu said, it will affect service delivery in the school, which has a population of more than 1,800 students.
“I am urging the parents to support the school so that no child is sent home and misses classes due to school fees,” the county director urged.
Kabarnet High School Chief Principal Julius Ndirangu said the fees challenge had not deterred the institution from posting good results. Last year, 273 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates out of 318, qualified to join university.
Kipsang’s remarks come days after the Ministry disbursed capitation for public schools. Schools had complained that they risked grinding to a halt over lack of funds since the government had not disbursed money, over a month into second term.