Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando cried out to President Uhuru Kenyatta over Education CS George Magoha's decision allowing school principals to increase school fees.
The legislator pleaded with the head of state to veto the directive by the Education minister, that it would lead to discrimination against students from needy backgrounds.
"It's most unfair. Sir, the 2015 task force recommendations are still valid. Any fees increase will disinherit students of struggling backgrounds.
"2017 reelection manifesto and Kenya's Constitution (Article 43) entitles citizens to "free and compulsory basic education". It's enforced by the Basic Education Act 2013. Schools should also not withhold any leaver's certificate(s). Sir, you acted before; It's dearer today," he stated.
On December 3, while releasing Form One selection results at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the CS stated that school fees increments would support infrastructure development in learning institutions.
The publication further reported that Magoha mandated parents to decide how much should be increased, adding that no one should be forced to pay.
The Ministry of Education has on its part, defended that it had not asked secondary schools to raise fees.
"Education CS George Magoha has repeatedly stated that school fees guidelines that applied in 2019 are still in force in 2020. Any school that increases school fees should be reported to the Ministry," the ministry stated on Twitter.
