Eugine Wabwile 
TANDAO MEDIA.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has cautioned school principals against imposing illegal charges during student admissions, warning that offenders will face legal and administrative consequences.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 20, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government had digitalised the admission process through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to curb corruption and eliminate loopholes exploited by some school heads.“We are using KEMIS to admit students so that we can remove unnecessary requirements from teachers.Some principals demand bribes to secure admission, which is unacceptable,” Ogamba stated.
The Cabinet Secretary urged parents and learners to report any cases of bribery or extra levies to the nearest police station or education offices at the sub-county or county level for immediate action.“It is something we have repeatedly told parents.If a principal asks you for money, report it to the police or our education officers so that action can be taken,” he directed.Ogamba emphasized that the government already provides adequate funding to schools and that parents should not be subjected to additional financial burdens.
He noted that any extra levies imposed without approval are illegal and irregular.“The government is paying its portion of the money, so extra levies are not supposed to be charged.This has been gazetted, and principals are aware it is illegal,” he reiterated.The CS clarified that schools may only collect additional funds if the levy is agreed upon by parents during an Annual General Meeting and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Education.“Principals should only charge with the consent of parents during an AGM, and after seeking permission from the government,” he explained.
Ogamba also dismissed claims that the government had reduced capitation for basic education. He confirmed that senior schools receive Ksh22,244 per student, junior schools Ksh15,000, and primary schools Ksh1,400.
