Court extends orders barring parents of St. Bakhita from paying increased fees

The High Court has extended orders barring parents of St. Bakhita School from paying any increased fees pending the ruling and determination of the case.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the school through its lawyer Wilfred Mutubwa told the court that it’s not the role of parents to decide how much fees they should pay.

Mutubwa further stated that a communication of the fee increment was sent to parents and urged the court not to grant them the orders sought.

"We consulted the parents' association but they have turned 360 degrees. You can't come to court and speak from both sides of the mouth," the advocate argued.

The parents, through their lawyer Charles Mwalimu, however submitted to the court that they are not in contempt of any orders and that they have paid the fees.

They argued that the contract between them and the school does not allow the management to increase fees at any time.

"Parents have not disputed the amount, the case before you is not to force the school to increase fees, we are here to tell you that there is a contract between the parents and the school,” argued Mwalimu.

In the case, the parents moved to court last month accusing the school, which runs St Bakhita Daycare and Kindergarten, Primary and Junior Secondary Schools on several campuses, of revising the fees by up to 20 per cent, mid-term.

The parents said that the move to increase fees might disrupt their children's learning.

The case will be heard on July 11 this year.