Jenga Mkenya Movement Opposes Proposed School Fee Increases by Secondary School Principals

 

The Jenga Mkenya Movement has strongly opposed a proposal by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) to increase secondary school fees by up to Ksh. 27,000 per student. The statement, issued by the Shadow Ministry of Education under the movement, criticized the proposal, which was reported in the Daily Nation, for being arbitrary and unjustified.

Mwalimu Michael Gacohi, representing the Shadow Ministry of Education, expressed the movement’s dissatisfaction with the proposed fee hike, arguing that the increase was not supported by a transparent breakdown of how the funds would be used. "The proposed figures are arbitrary and lack transparency. Inflation alone cannot justify such a drastic increase without a clear explanation of how these amounts were arrived at. This is a blatant attempt to exploit parents without accountability," said Gacohi.

The Jenga Mkenya Movement also emphasized that the government's failure to release capitation funds on time should not be used as an excuse to burden parents. According to Gacohi, KESSHA and school administrators should instead demand the full and timely disbursement of capitation funds from the government, rather than shifting the financial burden to families.

One of the key points raised in the statement was the absence of public participation in the proposal process. The movement expressed concern that such an important proposal, which directly affects millions of Kenyan families, was presented without consulting the public or key stakeholders. "This is not only undemocratic but also a gross disregard for the voices of the people," Gacohi said.

The Shadow Ministry of Education also reminded the government of its constitutional obligation to adequately fund education, citing that education is a fundamental right and should not be financed through additional burdens on parents. "With the government collecting substantial revenue through taxes, it has a moral responsibility to fund education, health, and security properly. Education should not be the responsibility of overburdened parents," the statement read.

Further, the Jenga Mkenya Movement pointed to rampant mismanagement and inefficiencies within the education sector as contributing factors to the financial challenges faced by schools. The statement criticized the disparity in fees charged by different schools, even within the same locality. "There is no justification for the glaring disparity in fees charged by schools within the same locality and category," said Gacohi, urging the government and KESSHA to address these inefficiencies before imposing additional financial burdens on parents.

Lastly, the movement called attention to the economic hardship currently affecting Kenyan families, asserting that many parents simply cannot afford the proposed increase in fees. "In light of the harsh economic times, this proposed increase is not only insensitive but also untenable. Many parents simply cannot afford the additional burden, and such a move will inevitably lead to higher dropout rates," the statement concluded.

The Jenga Mkenya Movement has called for a more sustainable and equitable solution to the financial challenges faced by schools, stressing that any increase in fees should not come at the expense of parents and children’s right to education.

Reuben Kigame, leader of the Jenga Mkenya Movement, was also copied on the statement.

February 18, 2025