Headteachers Facing a KSh1 Million Fine for Imposing Additional Levies

Public primary and secondary school headteachers found imposing unauthorized extra levies may face fines of up to Ksh1 million if a proposed law is passed by lawmakers. The Basic Education Bill, part of the Ministry of Education’s 11 newly drafted laws operationalizing the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms recommendations, stipulates that education in these schools should be free, and parents and guardians should not be charged tuition fees.

The proposed legislation clarifies that non-Kenyan citizens will be required to pay tuition in public schools, and any entity collecting charges must issue an official receipt. The bill ensures that no child will be denied access to education due to unpaid fees. Offenders who contravene this provision could face a fine not exceeding one million shillings, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

Despite previous circulars from the Education Ministry warning against unauthorized charges, schools have remained non-compliant. The bill also addresses discrimination issues, stating that headteachers could face punishment for blocking learners based on factors such as employment bias, religion, parental conflict, cultural practices, or any other grounds. The legislation prohibits schools from discriminating against children seeking admission based on factors like ethnicity, gender, religion, race, color, social origin, age, disability, language, or culture.

Parents failing to enroll their children in school may also be held accountable, with the bill stating that it is the responsibility of every parent or guardian to admit their children to a basic education institution. Failure to fulfill this responsibility could result in a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand or a prison term of up to two years, or both, according to the bill.