Education CS Machogu warn school heads from charging extra levies as parents decry soaring prices of basic school commodities

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has warned school heads from charging extra levies as students continue reporting to their respective high schools, a process that officially kicked off yesterday.

This follows complaints from parents and guardians who have complained of ballooning expenses caused by the current high cost of living in the country which has seen basic school commodities shoot up.

For instance, some schools have sent letters to parents with inflated prices of basic items such as games kits selling at a price of Sh2,200 as well as ties selling at Sh400 to Sh700.

“The following requirements will be available in school to be bought at the cost indicated: white/black rubber shoes at Sh900, school magazine Ksh1,000, branding of all items with an admission number Sh250, mattress (high density) and a bucket Sh3,000, games t-shirt and short Sh1,200, house t-shirt Sh700, jumper Sh2,800…. You are asked to clear the first-term fees as part of the requirements for the admission of their children,” read part of a calling letter.

School principals have concurred with the parents’ complaints related to the current inflation rate experienced in the country.

Machogu, accompanied by Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang while inspecting admission process at St Georges Girls High School in Nairobi yesterday confirmed that the government had disbursed Sh16billion to secondary schools last week.

“Last week we disbursed Sh16 billion which went to public secondary schools…. Every school will receive Sh22,444 per student admitted…. All primary schools will receive Sh15,042 for every Grade 7 learners as we await to get the exact data of how many learners have enrolled primary schools for the capitation disbursement,” said CS Machogu.

The CS said that the government has ensured 100 percent transition of over 1,244,188 Form One learners who sat for their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) last year.