Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has cautioned school heads against demanding payment of school fees before registering students for national examinations, terming the practice illegal and a violation of learners’ right to education.
Ogamba said no eligible candidate should be denied the opportunity to register for national examinations due to outstanding school fees, emphasizing that the government fully caters for examination registration costs.
Speaking during the inaugural Elimu Conference held at Lornah Kiplagat Sports Academy in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the CS directed all principals and heads of institutions to comply with government regulations and ensure that every candidate is registered within the stipulated timelines.
“Any head of institution who is asking for payment of school fees before registering candidates for national examinations should know that it is unlawful,” said Ogamba.
“All fees related to national examinations are catered for by the government and it is the right of every student to be registered and sit the examinations,” he added.
The CS emphasized that school administrators must strictly follow government guidelines and avoid actions that could prevent learners from completing their education due to financial challenges faced by their parents or guardians.
Ogamba noted that the Ministry of Education remains committed to protecting learners from unfair practices that may deny them access to education and opportunities for academic progression.
At the same time, the CS highlighted the progress made by the government in improving transition rates from primary to secondary school across the country.
He revealed that the national transition rate has increased from 92 per cent to 99 per cent, describing the improvement as a major milestone in the education sector.
According to Ogamba, Elgeyo Marakwet County has performed slightly above the national average, recording a transition rate of 99.1 per cent.
He attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Education, local leaders, administrators and security agencies working together to ensure that learners proceed to the next level of education.
“NGAo officers are responsible for enforcement of the 100 per cent transition policy. This demonstrates the collaborative nature of the system between the security team and the Ministry of Education,” he said.
The CS further called for stronger collaboration between schools and other key stakeholders in order to enhance education development in the country.
He said the government is redesigning the education system to promote partnerships among parents, teachers, alumni and development partners.
“We are redesigning our education system to foster collaboration and linkages among all stakeholders including parents, teachers, alumni and development partners,” Ogamba said.
He encouraged alumni associations to play a more active role in supporting their former schools through mentorship programmes, resource mobilization and development initiatives.
“Alumni can help strengthen schools by supporting infrastructure development, mentoring learners and mobilizing resources for their former institutions,” he added.
Ogamba also urged development partners to continue supporting schools through construction of facilities and sponsorship of students from vulnerable backgrounds.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring that all learners have access to quality education and are able to complete their studies without facing unnecessary barriers.
By Rennish Okong’
