SCHOOL FEES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Ministry is concerned by increasing number of complaints expressing

dissatisfaction over the demand for Term 2 school fees by some private schools

during the State of Emergency period. It should be noted that Regulation 20 of the

State of Emergency states that schools shall remain closed at this time. The Ministry

commends schools, both private and public, for offering support to learners during

this difficult period through e-learning, television and radio, among others. However,

the Ministry is of the view that such support may not sufficiently replace effective

teaching and learning under the circumstances.

The Ministry has further taken into consideration that teaching is not limited to

content delivery but it is inclusive of having the learner in a safe school environment,

participation in subject practicals, sports, and in some instances feeding of learners.

Therefore demanding that parents pay school fees based on having provided

teaching through e-learning may be unreasonable.

Regulations 17(3) (a) to (h) of the Education Act; CAP 58.01 clearly stipulates all the

aspects that contribute to the rate of school fees chargeable in private secondary

schools. According to Regulation 17(3) (h) school fees should include a breakdown

of the proposed fee according to the purpose for which the fee is being charged,

such as boarding, tuition, sports, books, etc.

Regulation 7(1) of the Education Act under Private Primary Schools through the

proviso therein gives the Permanent Secretary the authority to intervene to try and

settle the matter, where there is public dissatisfaction or complaint over school fees

charged by any particular school.

The decision of the Permanent Secretary is reviewable by the Minister in line with

Regulation 17(2) of the same Act which gives the Minister authority to order

cancellation of the fees or reduction thereof and the Minister’s decision shall be final.

The purpose of this statement is to sensitise the public and private schools that the

Ministry is available to intervene if necessary. However, the Ministry would like to

advise parents to first engage school management through various Governance

Structures such as Schools Board of Directors and Parents Teachers Association

concerning school fees during the State of Emergency. The concerned parties may

revert to the Ministry for intervention if there is a stalemate.

Bridget P. John

Permanent Secretary