National Parents Association allays fears of fee increment

The NPA boss said what is causing panic among parents is only a proposal.

In Summary
  • Obuhatsa said the government has not talked of any fee increment for form ones. 

  • "This is Media propaganda which we as National Parents Association are not aware of at all," he said. 

National Parents Association Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa
National Parents Association Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa
Image: FILE

The National Parents Association has assured parents with learners joining Form One in 2024 that the Ministry of Education will not be increasing school fees. 

NPA Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa said the government has not discussed fee increments for form ones. 

"This is Media propaganda which we as National Parents Association are not aware of at all," he spoke to the Star on Tuesday.

Obuhatsa said when schools closed, students were sent home with the fee structure that has been in place since C19. 

The NPA boss said what is causing panic among parents is only a proposal. 

"The claims that the government has issued new fee structures should be ignored," Obuhatsa said. 

He said the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Chairman Indimuli Kahi has not asked the government to increase fees come January 2024 but has only given a proposal following the hard times in the country.

Obuhatsa said should the ministry find Kahi's proposal necessary, then it's the school management boards together with parents that will get to decide the best way forward.

"National Parents Association has its agents on the ground and they have not forwarded any complaints from parents," he said. 

Obuhasta urged the government to consider increasing capitation to help parents manage the education of their children, especially those with disabilities.

"The media should not involve parents in blaming the government for what is not there," Obuhatsa said. 

Further, as candidates sit their national exams, Obuhatsa cautioned all students and parents that the government will not allow cheat or conduct exam malpractices. 

"As an Association, we are fully behind the government, Ministry of Education, TSC and Knec to see to it that this time examinations are conducted under tight security and Monitoring to evade any shortcomings," Obuhatsa said. 

He suggested that any student, teacher or any other person found guilty of trying to undermine the examination be dealt with without mercy.

Obuhatsa said the law should apply to culprits of exam malpractice. 

"We are wishing the candidates all the best," he said.

Additionally, as the learners are home for the December holidays, Obuhasta urged parents to be on the lookout for what they will be engaging in. 

He noted that this holiday is quite long, adding that many parents leaving their children idle may end up causing damage to their education.

"We want parents to take the responsibility of caring for their Children over the holidays," the NPA boss said. 

"It's no government's work to come into homes to find out what children are doing during holidays."

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