“Back to School Madness: Time to Rock the Halls!”
It’s that time of the year again! Parents are dusting off their wallets and getting ready to send their little ones back to the halls of academia. With the high cost of living, they’ll be relieved to know that the Ministry of Education has issued a number of directives to shield them from any price gouging by exploitative school heads.
Dates to Remember
All form-one students are expected to make their grand entrances to their respective schools on Monday, February 6, a week after the Junior Secondary Schools opened their doors and two weeks since the new academic calendar began. If there are any challenges in the admission process or clarification is required, parents can consult with the County Directors of Education for a helping hand.
The Ministry has also announced that the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) will be the key platform for monitoring the student’s progress. So, school principals better have their daily returns in order!
After being admitted, form one student will join their fellow students who have already resumed learning on Monday, January 23. The students will take a three-day break from Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19, for a well-deserved half-term. Schools will then close for a two-week holiday from Friday, April 22 to May 7.
Cost of Living Crisis Eased by the Ministry
Parents will be happy to know that the school fees for public secondary schools will not change. The government has maintained its capitation per student in all public secondary schools at Ksh22,244. According to the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, “School fees for the 2023 academic calendar year will not be changed and will remain at Ksh53,554, while that of County and Extra-County Schools will remain at Ksh40,555.”
So, parents with children enrolled in Public Day Secondary Schools can rest easy, knowing that the government is taking care of all tuition costs amounting to Ksh22,244. And, if there are any incidents of students being turned away for not paying higher fees or other levies, parents are advised to report it to the nearest education office.
When it comes to uniforms, the Ministry of Education has heard the complaints about high costs and has taken action. Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced that parents are free to buy uniforms from their preferred shops. Principals who force parents to buy uniforms from their institutions or preferred dealers will be tracked down and punished. The Ministry will be working closely with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to sanction anyone who charges fees not sanctioned by the government.
In conclusion, it’s time to get ready for another academic year filled with endless possibilities. So, parents, make sure to take your children to the schools they have been placed in, and candidates seeking to confirm their placement can do so through the provided portal. And, teachers and parents, make sure to give wise advice to ensure that the candidates make the best choices for their future.
