The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a presidential directive that no learner should be denied access to education in public schools due to lack of school fees.
Speaking at Moi Girls Isinya in Kajiado County on Friday, Basic Education Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok said school principals have no justification for sending learners home over fees, noting that all public schools have already received government capitation.
Prof. Bitok emphasised that the directive applies to all learners, including those whose parents may be facing temporary financial challenges, insisting that schools must accommodate students as parents make arrangements to clear fees.
“We are implementing the Presidential executive order on school reporting. All learners must be allowed to continue learning as they wait for their parents or guardians to pay school fees,” said the PS.
He added that schools are adequately supported by government funding and can absorb a few learners without disrupting operations. He warned school administrators against defying the directive, stating that disciplinary action would be taken against those who continue to send students away.
The Principal Secretary was speaking during the launch and flag-off of the Elimu Scholarship Programme, a government initiative aimed at supporting bright but needy learners across the country.
Prof. Bitok disclosed that the government is currently supporting about 48,000 students under the scholarship programme at a cost of approximately Sh 20 billion, with Kajiado County recording the highest number of beneficiaries nationwide.
He further noted that government efforts to improve access to education are being complemented by development partners, including the international non-governmental organisation Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED).
CAMFED, he said, is supporting girls to learn and lead by sponsoring over 2,337 girls in Kajiado County this year, a move expected to boost retention and transition rates among vulnerable learners.
The event was attended by local leaders, including Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs Principal Secretary Judy Pareno, Kajiado County Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho and Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire.
By Wangari Ndirangu
