High Court Bans Unauthorized School Levies in Public Institutions
The High Court has issued a major ruling, declaring it illegal for public schools in Kenya to collect any kind of school levies unless they have received formal approval from the Ministry of Education.
These levies, often charged by schools, are usually meant to cover various needs such as running costs, infrastructure development, extracurricular activities, examination fees, development projects, school lunch programs, and extra tuition for students.
However, for years, many parents have complained that some public schools have been demanding unreasonably high levies, placing an unnecessary financial burden on families.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, June 16, the High Court made it clear that no school headteacher or principal is allowed to charge parents these fees unless the charges have been officially approved by the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba.
This directive is meant to promote fairness and ensure that access to public education remains affordable and inclusive for all children across the country.
Just last month, on Tuesday, May 20, Education CS Julius Ogamba released a statement warning school heads against imposing illegal or unauthorized levies on parents.
He said the Ministry would take strict action against any school leader who is found demanding extra payments without clearance from the Ministry.
“School heads and principals must manage public funds wisely and ensure the money benefits the learners. They must stop imposing levies that have not been approved,” Ogamba stated.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Education would take firm action against any confirmed cases where school funds are misused or when parents are charged fees that have not been authorized.
In the same announcement, CS Ogamba revealed that the government had released Ksh22 billion in capitation funds for the second term to all public basic education institutions.
He urged school administrators to use these funds properly, making sure that every shilling benefits the students directly.
“The responsibility to manage public resources lies with school heads. They are expected to use the money for the intended purposes and avoid burdening parents with illegal levies,” Ogamba said firmly.
The High Court’s decision and the Ministry’s firm stance are expected to bring relief to parents, especially those struggling with rising costs of living. It also reinforces the government’s commitment to providing free and quality basic education, free from hidden or unauthorized charges.
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