University Education and Research PS Simon Nabukhwesi has admitted that the Ministry of Education is aware that schools are suffering as the fee debate rages on.
The PS, in a report by Daily Nation on Sunday, October 25, disclosed that the ministry was aware of the fact and was working towards ensuring public schools are well funded.
He further added that the new development arose out of the ministry's need to have all Class 8 and Form 4 students pass their exams and secure slots in Universities and Form 1 respectively.
“The pandemic is with us, and I urge you to observe the required protocols such as social distancing, frequent handwashing and the wearing of face masks.
"The ministry expects every child to pass the national examinations and join form one, university or college," stated the PS.
The pronouncement comes a day after headteachers challenged an order by Education CS George Magoha in which he had directed schools not to send home students on account of school fees.
The teachers argued that they do not have enough funds to run educational institutions.
"Principals are facing hard times because without funds it's literally impossible to feed learners and cater for their boarding requirements," stated Indimuli.
The Ministry also failed to disburse funds to facilitate the assessment tests that began on Wednesday, October 21, compounding the problem further.
Some schools are said to have asked parents with children in Grade 4 and Class 8 to pay between Ksh200 and Ksh400 to cater for the examinations after the ministry failed to disburse money.
Meanwhile, the number of individuals testing positive for Covid-19 in the country has spiked, raising fears that schools may be forced to close, yet again.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has already declined to approve the resumption of studies for all other students slated for this month.
Education CAS Zack Kinuthia, however, noted that schools would not be shut down again and that the national exams would proceed as planned.
The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam is scheduled for March 22, 2021, while the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Exams (KCSE) set to commence on March 25, 2021.
