Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha lost his cool and scolded ministry officials over a video error that was experienced on Thursday, July 22, 2021, during a sponsors' event.
CS Magoha castigated the team after they failed to show a documentary detailing the success of Elimu Scholarship which targets Kenya Certificate for Primary Education (KCPE) candidates from Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) and marginalized areas.
Magoha declined an apology issued to a corporate stakeholder that gives money to educate bright but financially challenged students.
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He faulted the officers in charge for failing to do prior preparation thus embarrassing his ministry.
"I start by saying that I'm never associated with the kind of sloppiness I'm seeing here this morning, and it must never repeat itself. I would have expected the officers concerned here to have run this earlier and make sure that it was working, your apologies not accepted," Magoha stated.
During the launch, Magoha confirmed an earlier circular which directed all national schools to slash fees by Ksh8,500 and extra county and county schools to reduce by Ksh5,500.
These changes would mean that national schools would now charge a maximum of Ksh45,054 while extra county and county schools will pay up to Ksh39,554 in school fees.
Magoha also announced that all public primary schools should not charge anything except for meals which should be done voluntarily depending on parent's financial ability.
He further asserted that 75 percent of day secondary schools should remain free as they are fully funded by the Government of Kenya.
Magoha clarified the changes have been informed by the latest changes in school term calendars. He tasked the teachers to find out why some parents are unable to pay school fees instead of sending the students home.
Magoha further disclosed that the National Government remitted Ksh1.8 billion to needy children especially those from the slum area.
Furthermore, he also warned school heads against hiking school fees.
“I want to make it clear that primary schools and day secondary schools are free in case of any charge, it should be approved and voluntary,” the CS said.
Schools are expected to be opened for a new academic year starting on July 26, 2021, and run for a span of 30 weeks.
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