Ogamba: All new school levies must get parents, ministry approval

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, who was speaking during Education Day celebrations at Mbiriri Comprehensive School in Kieni, Nyeri County, insisted that all new levies must be agreed upon by both parents and the ministry before they can be introduced.

The ministry says several principals are already facing disciplinary action for failing to adhere to set guidelines on school levies. Ogamba also urged school heads to embrace dialogue with learners as a way of curbing the unrest recently witnessed in a number of schools.

"Where that happens and it is brought to our attention, we are now taking action against those principals," Ogamba said. "Unless the levy is approved and has gone through the process, accepted by the parents and passed through the ministry protocols, then it becomes legal and can be charged. But if it is a charge that has not been approved, it is not supposed to be charged to parents."

Speaking at the same event, National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) chief executive Dr. Purity Ngina, who also chairs the school board, praised the impact of the Competency Based Curriculum on learners.

"One of the greatest transformations in education is competency based education. Kwa sababu Waziri, you have actually seen in practical what that curriculum has done to our learners," she said. "They were able to display things that they have done. They are able to express themselves."