Molo MP Kuria Kimani has put schools’ heads on notice over illegal levies being charged in schools in order to admit grade 10 learners to their schools. The legislator noted that such levies have hindered the Ministry of Education from attaining 100% transition and any school principal found will be treated as a criminal.
He noted that some school heads have developed avenues of exploiting parents despite hard economic times with some schools charging parents for chairs and lockers for a fixed fee of between Sh 5000 and Sh 10000.
Speaking at Sachangwan village Kuria urged parents whose children are yet to report to for grade 10 to ensure learners report immediately as the NGCDF has put in place adequate infrastructure and will soon issue bursaries to needy students to facilitate their education.
“I am calling on DCC and your team to inspect all schools that have introduced additional levies like desks, chairs and uniform fees. These are people scaring away learners from reporting to school as they should be treated as criminals,” said MP Kuria.
“Molo NG-CDF office has provided schools with adequate infrastructure to support grade 10 transition and any teacher found charging these fees without any AGM minutes where parents agree in unison will be forced to find another county to work in,” he added.
The MP used the platform to urge parents to prepare to fill out the bursary form come this February to help clear fee arrears for smooth running in schools.
The sentiment was echoed by Molo DCC Jackson Olechuta who noted that a multi-agency team has been formed to mop up all learners who are yet to report even as the sub county has already reached 85% grade 10 transition.
By Absalom Namwalo
