CS Machogu Asks Private Schools to Reduce Tuition Fees
With only a week until schools resume for the second term, the government is now urging private school owners to lower tuition fees.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu criticized the exorbitant costs of private schools, encouraging the owners to lower the cost of education so that more students can access quality education.
The lower cadres of private primary schools demand tuition fees ranging from Sh15,000 to Sh30,000 per term. Middle schools charge between Sh30,000 and Sh100,000, whereas upper schools charge between Sh100,000 and more.
Children at the aforementioned schools, unlike those in public schools who do not pay tuition, receive a high-quality education, foreign languages, and extracurricular activities such as swimming and chess, among other sports.
Mr. Machogu referred to the Kenya Private Schools Association as a valuable partner with the aim of providing quality education to every kid in Kenya.
The CS stated that by encouraging open debate, collaboration, and the development of new solutions, they can establish an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive educational ecosystem.
The CS urged cooperation with the government to decrease private schools’ operational costs, aiming to enhance accessibility to quality education for all. Mr. Lucas Kangongo, the Coast regional education director, conveyed this statement on behalf of the CS.
Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) chairman, Mr. Charles Ochome, stated that stakeholders will work with the state to improve learning.
“We charge our schools fees as per the operational costs. If the state can reduce operational costs, it will automatically lower school fees,” he said.
Speaking at the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) Annual General Meeting on Friday, the CS praised the stakeholders for offering high-quality education.
The CS stated that the initiative has significantly contributed to the sector’s many achievements. The CS acknowledged the importance of bridging the gap and addressing issues of efficiency, relevance, quality, access, and equity.
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He stated that the government has worked closely with the association to guarantee that the 100% transition strategy from primary to secondary school is successful due to the kids enrolled in their institutions.
The CS stated that this year’s theme, “Re-evaluating future private schools amid education reforms,” resonates well with the Ministry of Education.
He added that, as a government, they remain committed to fostering a collaborative environment where both public and private institutions can thrive. They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the KPSA is fully included in government processes that directly affect their operations.
The CS assured private school owners that the government is committed to taking their input into account when making critical decisions.
He stated that his ministry will ensure the hearing of their voices.
The CS reminded the audience that their membership had been engaged in the rollout of the competency-based curriculum process, which has now progressed to the junior secondary school level.
He stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, the association was essential to the team that made critical decisions about how to navigate the school’s situation.
The CS assured that the trend of collaboration between public and private schools would continue. He emphasized the importance of expertise and insights in shaping a future where both sectors work together to improve Kenyan education.
He stated that Article 53(b) of the Kenyan Constitution emphasizes the state’s commitment to promote access to education at all levels.
The CS emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships with stakeholders in the education sector, such as the association. He highlighted that, through collaboration, a more inclusive and equitable education system for all Kenyan children could be ensured.
The ministry also encourages private schools to use clean energy.
The CS stated that private schools play an important role in leading the charge towards a greener tomorrow.
The CS expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the efforts by advocating for tax concessions on the purchase and installation of renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and LPG.
He stated that the program will not only improve the environment but also result in major financial savings for your schools.
The CS recommended using solar power in classrooms to reduce reliance on costly and environmentally harmful fossil fuels.
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Mr. Machogu expressed his desire for sustainability to become a cornerstone of the educational system and urged collaboration. He emphasized the annual general meeting’s potential to mark a turning point in their collective journey.
Additionally, he encouraged seizing the opportunity to foster unity, dismantle obstacles, and collaborate towards establishing a world-class education system that enables every child in Kenya to achieve their maximum potential.
However, private education institution owners claim that their operating costs are high, requiring them to impose fees on parents.
CS Machogu Asks Private Schools to Reduce Tuition Fees
