KNUT Chairman Patrick Karinga Munuhe Issues Stern Warning on Illegal School Levies: Calls for Government Accountability
KNUT Chairman Patrick Karinga Munuhe
By John Kariuki
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has taken a firm stand against the imposition of illegal extra levies in public schools, warning that any head of institution found contravening the law should face the full force of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the union, KNUT Chairman Patrick Karinga Munuhe emphasized that the union’s position is crystal clear: no extra levies should be imposed on parents or guardians under any circumstance. Citing Article 29(1) of the Basic Education Act, 2013, he reminded school administrators that no public school shall charge or compel any parent or guardian to pay additional fees on behalf of any pupil. “This is the law, and it has not changed. Unless Parliament legislates otherwise, it remains illegal for any headteacher to demand extra money from parents,” he said.
Munuhe further expressed KNUT’s full support for the High Court ruling and the directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, which both outlaw the imposition of extra levies in public schools. He made it categorically clear that no school administrator is allowed to introduce charges that are not stipulated within government policy. “The Constitution guarantees free and compulsory basic education. Any head of institution who imposes additional levies is in direct violation of government policy and must be held accountable,” Munuhe warned.
KNUT also backed the government’s position to intensify school auditing and promote prudent financial management to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of school resources. Munuhe stressed that government funding must be disbursed promptly to prevent unnecessary pressure on school heads. He lamented the widespread delays in capitation disbursements, which have left many school administrators struggling to manage operations without adequate financial support.
Particularly concerning, he noted, is the neglect of school feeding programs in arid and semi-arid areas. “Many regions in Kenya have been grappling with prolonged droughts, some stretching over the last three to four years. Our farms have not produced enough food, and we have confirmed this with the Ministry of Agriculture. The government must step in and fully shoulder the responsibility of funding school feeding programs,” Munuhe said.
The KNUT boss called on the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury to ensure timely allocation of funds to cover both the daily operations and co-curricular activities in schools. “Let the funds be disbursed in good time so that school heads can run institutions peacefully, without the stress of financial shortfalls,” he urged.
Munuhe further revealed that many school principals and headteachers have expressed frustration and some are contemplating resigning due to the impossible situation where they are barred from collecting extra funds from parents yet are not adequately supported by timely government disbursements.
KNUT’s message to the government is loud and unequivocal: Fulfill your obligation to provide free and quality education. Support school heads, release funds on time, and ensure the integrity of our education system is preserved.
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