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