In a significant move to curb the persistent issue of illegal charges in schools, the Ministry of Education, under the directive of Education PS Belio Kipsang, has mandated all school head teachers to fill fees declaration forms. This new initiative aims to bring transparency and accountability to fee structures, preventing unauthorized levies on parents. The forms, countersigned by the Subcounty Director of Education, must be submitted to the ministry headquarters by February 9, signaling a firm stance against breaches within the education system.
Quick Summary
- Mandatory Fees Declaration Forms: All school head teachers are now required to fill fees declaration forms to address the issue of illegal charges.
- Deadline for Submission: Completed forms, countersigned by the Subcounty Director of Education, must be submitted to the ministry headquarters by February 9, in both hard and soft copies.
- Accountability Measures: Subcounty Directors and County Directors of Education will be held accountable for any breaches within their respective jurisdictions.
Ministry’s Concern and Caution
Despite previous pronouncements by the ministry, schools across the country have continued to impose unauthorized levies on parents, prompting this new directive. Education PS Belio Kipsang expressed concern over the persistent disregard for the ministry’s guidelines and emphasized the need for immediate compliance.
“All schools cease forthwith from directing parents to pay any charges outside the authorized fees guidelines for secondary schools,” Kipsang stated, cautioning that both Subcounty Directors and County Directors of Education will be held responsible for breaches in their jurisdictions.
Focus on Primary and Junior Schools
The circular highlighted that primary and junior schools, primarily day schools, should not charge any fees outside the authorized guidelines. The ministry covers the requisite tuition requirements through capitation for these schools. Kipsang emphasized the need for adherence to the authorized fees structure outlined in the Kenya Gazette Notice No 1555 of March 2015.
Accountability and Reporting Mechanism
In a bid to enforce compliance, the PS directed regional directors, county directors, and Subcounty directors of education to report any school principal, board of management, or headteachers charging unauthorized levies. This multiagency approach aims to ensure adherence to the authorized fees structure and the implementation of free and compulsory basic education.
Lunch Programs and Fee Structure Compliance
The circular clarified that day school heads are not permitted to force learners to pay for school meals. Lunch programs for day secondary schools are optional, and no student should be denied schooling for failure to pay for meals. Kipsang reinforced the importance of all secondary schools adhering to the authorized fees structure outlined in the Kenya Gazette Notice No 1555 of March 2015.
Final Thoughts
The Ministry of Education’s crackdown on illegal levies through the mandatory submission of fees declaration forms signals a commitment to transparency and fairness in the education system. By holding educational leaders accountable and emphasizing adherence to authorized fee structures, the ministry aims to ensure that every child has access to education without financial barriers. This directive aligns with the broader mission of providing free and compulsory basic education to all students in Kenya.