The Government has sternly warned school heads: The Primary and Secondary Education ministry must approve any tuition fee increases for the upcoming term. This directive seeks to shield parents and guardians from unregulated fee hikes.
Various public and private schools have already circulated notices for increased tuition fees for the next year’s first term, some even demanding payment in U.S. dollars. Historically, schools have often ignored government warnings, exposing families to unpredictable fee increases.
Moses Mhike, the Permanent Secretary of Primary and Secondary Education, has firmly committed the government to address the issue of students losing educational access due to unpaid fees. He insists that schools must follow a stringent approval process for fee hikes, involving a parents’ assembly, submission to the ministry, and the ministry’s permanent secretary’s final approval.
According to a report by Newsday, Mhike advises parents explicitly not to pay fees lacking official approval. The ministry is vigorously investigating parent complaints about unauthorized fee increases. He also warns that school heads who hike fees without approval risk facing misconduct charges and possible legal repercussions.
Despite the government’s firm position, the ministry has sanctioned fee increases for around 200 schools. Mhike questions why some schools have not sought approval, hinting at potential hidden agendas.
Mhike has also scrutinized the exclusive sale of uniforms and stationery in schools, which restricts parents’ choices. He advocates for parents’ rights to purchase school uniforms from any source, provided they conform to the school’s standards. This stance follows allegations against several boarding schools for overcharging for uniforms.
With the new academic year starting on January 9, 2024, the government is determined to ensure equitable and transparent fee practices across all schools.
