School fees row rocks Koma Ranch Primary in Machakos
Parents of pupils at Koma Ranch Primary and Junior School have expressed growing frustration with the institution’s headteacher over fees allegedly being charged for transition to junior school.
The parents, who plan to hold a peaceful protest on Monday, claim the fees are contrary to directives from the Ministry of Education, which directed that no fees should be levied for this purpose.
The affected learners are transitioning from Grade Six to Grade Seven. The conflict escalated Friday when pupils were reportedly sent home due to arrears.
According to one parent, efforts to raise the issue with the ministry have so far been unfruitful.
Read: Puzzle of Kirinyaga day secondary school with only one student, eight teachers
“We have repeatedly tried to address this issue with the Ministry of Education but no action has been taken. Friday, our children were sent home, which is unacceptable given the ministry’s clear directive that no fees should be charged,” said the concerned parent.
In response to these developments, parents have organised a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Monday at the school. Their protest, they say, aims to seek redress and demand accountability from the headteacher and school administration.
“This is to inform all parents of Koma Ranch Primary and Junior School that on Monday, there will be a peaceful demonstration to voice our concerns and ensure our children’s education is not disrupted,” another parent announced.
The school, according to some of the parents, is charging Sh5,000 to admit the learners to junior school, among other charges.
Read: Confusion and congestion in schools on Day One of Grade 9
Contacted for a comment, however, the institution’s head dismissed the allegations as tribally instigated by a clique of parents to taint her over three decades’ career.
“I’m retiring this year,” Ms Augustine Mawathe said. “I can assure you, this has something to do with tribalism.”
“We will call the parents to a meeting to discuss the development of the school, especially the construction of the kitchen for the learners,” she explained, urging the parents to listen to the institution for the good of the students.
While urging the parents to remain calm and cooperative, she claimed that the majority of parents had not expressed any concerns regarding her leadership.
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