Parents have issued a list of demands to the Ministry of Education that need to be addressed as schools reopen.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, National Parents Association chairperson, Nicholas Maiyo, noted that the Ministry ought to increase the funds disbursed to primary schools.
Responding to Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha, Maiyo pointed out that primary schools receive the short end of the stick during the disbursement process. Magoha had initially promised that the funds would be released during school reopening week.
"The amount disbursed to primary schools is too little as compared to secondary schools. We seek funds to be increased for primary schools since the amount given to secondary, around Ksh22,254, is adequate," he stated.
Further, he noted that the Ministry ought to take action on school heads who charge extra levies that are not part of the school fees program. He warned that the move was deemed illegal and tough measures should be stipulated.
"The current challenge is the issue of illegal extra levies. I stated that if any parent has enough evidence of the school charging extra levies, they can forward the matter to our offices or any EACC office and we will petition the Ministry to take action," he pointed out.
Addressing the recent spate of arson attacks in schools, Maiyo advised the Ministry to offer a conducive environment that would cushion learners from a stressful academic year. He stated that a proper channel ought to be used for students to air their grievances.
"We need to open a channel of communication. The complaints from students is that they are not heard. This is old fashioned as in the 21st Century, we need to listen to everybody. The three stakeholders, parents, teachers and learners, should discuss openly using the communication channel."
"You can't blame the recent school fires on one party, teachers parents or the learners as in every school there was a different cause," he reiterated.
Regarding the mandatory drug test that was conducted by students of Maranda High School, Maiyo noted that the option ought to be considered for adoption in other schools.
He, however, affirmed that the process would be guided by the law to protect the students' rights from infringement.
"In fact it will assist a lot. Maybe we need to seek consent from parents before it's done. But we should be guided by the law on this matter. If there's no harm, then there's nothing bad about it," he pointed out.
The academic calendar will be one of a kind as students will sit for five national examinations in Grade Six, Standard Eight and Form Four students.
