School Fee Hike Crackdown: Machogu Warns Principals, Promises Action

Mombasa, Kenya - Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has issued a stern warning to school principals across the country, putting them on notice over rising school fees and uniform costs. Addressing Regional and County Directors of Education during a meeting in Mombasa on Monday, December 18, 2023, Machogu declared, "Your main responsibility as county and regional directors of education is to ensure that no principal levies any additional fee."

Citing concerns about the financial burden placed on parents, Machogu emphasized the need for adherence to established fee structures. "We have guidelines. We have regulations. We have policies on fees that have been approved by the boards of management," he stated, leaving no room for ambiguity.

The Cabinet Secretary's message resonated with the directors, who were tasked with ensuring compliance across their respective regions. "I want to put all of you on notice," Machogu continued, his voice firm. "If any principal levies any additional fee, you will be held personally responsible."

Machogu's stance comes amidst reports of some schools charging unauthorized fees beyond the approved guidelines. These alleged discrepancies, often disguised as "development fees" or "extra-curricular activities," have sparked outrage among parents struggling to make ends meet.

The Education CS acknowledged the challenges faced by schools but insisted on finding solutions within the existing framework. "If there are any challenges in terms of resources, let us sit down and discuss them," he offered. "But we cannot have a situation where parents are being exploited by being charged exorbitant fees."

Machogu's promise of action went beyond mere warnings. He assured the directors that disciplinary measures would be swift and decisive. "If we find any principal levying any additional fee, we will take action," he declared, outlining potential consequences. "It could be a warning, it could be a demotion, or it could even be dismissal."

With the new school year approaching, Machogu's message serves as a clear reminder to school administrators: prioritizing affordability and adhering to regulations is paramount. Parents across Kenya can take comfort in knowing that the Ministry of Education is actively safeguarding their interests and protecting their right to quality education without undue financial strain.