MP Mary Emaase exposes Sh27,000 illegal school levy
Parliament’s Education Committee on Tuesday demanded immediate action to stop schools from burdening parents with illegal levies.
MP Mary Emaase (Teso South) told the committee:
“A needy child in my constituency, sponsored by Family Bank and supported by the community, was sent home for failing to pay Sh27,000 in extra charges. The principal said the money would be collected at the gate when schools reopen. Who gave this directive? This is affecting vulnerable parents.”
The case sparked outrage among lawmakers. Mr Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) pressed:
“We raised this last year, and the CS promised a circular within two weeks. What action has been taken? Parents cannot continue to bear this exploitation.”
Ministry pledges swift action
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof Julius Bitok, said the Ministry had issued a gazette notice on approved fees and promised:
“Immediate, decisive action against the implicated school. Kindly furnish us with the details. I will take firm action on that particular case.”
He also highlighted governance issues, pointing to Boards of Management (BOMs), and said 15,900 education managers have been trained under the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to strengthen accountability.
Record education budget
Prof. Bitok defended the Ministry’s 2026/27 priorities:
Record allocation: Sh700 billion for education, with Sh134.7 billion for Basic Education
Capitation funds released before schools opened
“Transition to junior and senior schools has been challenging, but despite teething problems, we are succeeding,” he said.
Other concerns
Lawmakers raised issues on the school feeding programme, asking about the selection criteria for beneficiary schools.
Ministry officials said selection now uses a property index and other targeting measures.
The Ministry is also developing a central scholarship and bursary database to avoid duplication between the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, the Ministry, and private foundations.
Committee Chair Mr Julius Melly (Tinderet) ordered the Ministry to submit a report within 20 days confirming all withheld examination certificates have been released in line with the presidential directive:
“The PS is the custodian of policy; principals are employees of the TSC. No school should hold certificates. We expect a full report.”
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