The government has unveiled plans to introduce tough regulations that will govern the enforcement of extra school fees, admission tests and the transition of students from one grade to the next.
Kenyans.co.ke analysed the proposed Basic Education Bill, 2024 and highlights four major changes that will be effected in schools.
School Fees
Should the proposals pass, no public school will be allowed to add additional charges without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary.
On the other hand, should the additional charges be approved, no student will be barred from attending classes if their parents fail to pay the fee.
"A person or institution that collects any charges shall issue an official receipt.
"A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both," the government proposed.
Admission Test
In the new proposals, admission tests that are often offered in public schools during school transfers will be abolished. The bill provides that no students should be subjected to a test before enrolling in the institution.
This provision will only apply to public schools
Personal Effects
Additionally, school heads will no longer have the power to direct parents where they should buy personal items for their students such as uniforms.
Previously, school heads have been accused of colluding with businesses to make a profit at the expense of offering parents options.
"It shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide a learner with personal effects to facilitate learning in school. Institutional administrators shall not restrict a parent or guardian on the place to procure or purchase personal effects.
"The Cabinet Secretary shall, in consultation with relevant stakeholders develop regulations for the better carrying out of this
provision," read the regulations in part.
Transitioning
Further, students will no longer be forced to repeat classes based on their academic performance.
"No public school shall administer or cause a person to administer any test related to admission of a child to a public school," the government proposed.
