School heads blamed for frustrating pupils in relocation efforts
Managers of informal schools have claimed there are deliberate attempts by some public primary schools to deny learners chances to join the institutions in accordance with the government’s directive.
The Kenya Alliance of Non-Formal Schools Welfare Association (KANSWA) national chairman Allan Masika yesterday said some public school head teachers are demanding admission fees of up to Sh3,000 before allowing pupils, whose institutions were closed down last week over safety concerns, to join.
Masika said the move is worsening parents’ woes, some of whom are still to come to terms with the closures in the middle of Third term and particularly those who will sit national exams in about three weeks time.
“Parents from Nakuru, Nyandarua and Nairobi are among those who have reported being asked to pay at least Sh3,000,” said Masika.
He added: “Parents are being told there is inadequate infrastructure in schools and the new learners were not accommodated in the initial budget hence the need to pay.
The money is expected to cover purchase of additional desks and text books,”
Childrens future
He said it was unfortunate that the non-formal schools, which the government has known of their existence, are now being rejected, a situation that puts at stake the future of over two million learners in over 20,000 schools.
Last week, the Ministry of Education warned against schools charging levies for learners saying additional teachers and infrastructure would be provided to schools where learners were relocated.
