Education CS Migosi Ogamba…Photo/IP
By peter mwibanda
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP) — Despite repeated warnings from the Ministry of Education, public schools across the country continue to levy illegal charges on parents — exposing a widening gap between policy and enforcement under Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
In January and again in May, CS Ogamba issued clear directives warning school heads against demanding unauthorized fees. But the National Parents Association says the illegal levies not only persist — they are thriving.
“Schools are still charging for things like desks, extra tuition, and so-called development fees,” said Nicholas Maiyo, the association’s national chairperson. “Parents are suffering. The government speaks loudly, but no one is listening on the ground.”
The situation has created a quiet crisis across Kenya. Parents, especially in rural and low-income areas, say they are being forced to pay under-the-table fees or risk having their children sent home.
In some cases, pupils have reportedly been barred from exams for non-payment.
“I was told to pay KSh 4,000 for extra classes or my daughter wouldn’t sit for her end-term test,” said a mother from Bungoma County, who requested anonymity. “I don’t have that kind of money. I sell vegetables. But they told me to pay — or leave.”
The Ministry’s tough-talking circulars, parents say, have amounted to little more than lip service.
Enforcement remains weak, and many headteachers continue business as usual — with little fear of consequences.
Education analysts say the ongoing extortion of parents points to a deeper failure of oversight.
“Directives alone aren’t enough,” said Dr. Mercy Kilonzo, an education policy expert. “We need real enforcement, disciplinary action and a reporting system that protects parents and punishes rogue administrators.”
The illegal levies are particularly damaging in a country where millions live below the poverty line. Free basic education is a constitutional right — but to many, it remains a myth.
For parents like David Otieno, a boda boda rider in Kisumu, the system feels rigged against the poor.
“They keep telling us education is free, but we’re paying more than ever. And if you complain, your child is punished,” he said.
Civil society groups are now calling for urgent reforms — including a transparent complaints mechanism, anonymous reporting platforms, and regular audits of school accounts.
Until then, parents are left to navigate a system that punishes them for being poor while daring them to dream of a better future for their children.
The question now is not whether CS Julius Ogamba has spoken — but whether he will act.
