Parents of students at Gatunguru Boys High School in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, are up in arms over the school’s directive requiring each learner to pay Ksh25,000 for the reconstruction of three dormitories gutted by fire two weeks ago.
The incident, which left the dormitories in ashes but caused no injuries, has forced learners to remain at home for two weeks, disrupting studies and leaving hundreds stranded.
Candidates set to sit the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in the coming weeks have been particularly affected, with no access to teachers for final revisions.
The school’s Board of Management is reported to have instructed parents to clear all outstanding fees in addition to the Ksh25,000 reconstruction levy before their children can be allowed back.
The directive has caused uproar among parents, many of whom say the requirement is unrealistic given the current economic hardships.
“We are already struggling with school fees and other family needs. Adding Ksh25,000 on top is too heavy for us,” said Emily Omukaga, a parent with a son in Form Three.
“Our children are losing valuable time while others are in class. This directive is unfair, especially to the Form Fours who are almost sitting their exams,” Anne Wambui, another parent, told journalists.
Joseph Mbeno, a form four parent, noted with concern that despite having cleared school fees for his son, he continues to roam at home with no one to assist him do his studies, weeks before the KCSE exams.
“The government should step in instead of punishing parents who are already burdened by the high cost of living.”
The standoff has now left learners idling at home while their peers in other schools continue with lessons.
The parents expressed concerns that the prolonged absence could impact performance, especially for Form Four candidates preparing for national examinations.
The Board of Management has, however, defended the figure, saying it was arrived at following an assessment by officers from the Department of Public Works, who initially placed the cost at about Ksh50,000 per student before it was reduced by half.
“Our priority is to get the students back to school and provide them with accommodation. The Ksh25,000 contribution was the fairest compromise after consultations,” said Peter Macharia, the Board Chairperson, who addressed the parents who stormed the institution demanding answers.
The parents are now appealing for government intervention to ease the financial burden and facilitate the speedy resumption of learning.
