Parents Demand Breakdown of Readmission Levy Imposed After Unrest at Ambira Boys High School

Fresh questions are emerging from parents of students at Ambira Boys High School as preparations begin for the reopening of the institution following the violent unrest that led to its indefinite closure last month.

The school, one of Siaya County's most prominent national schools, was shut down after students went on a rampage that left offices, laboratories, dormitories and other facilities vandalised, prompting intervention by education officials and security agencies.

In recent days, attention has shifted from the events that led to the closure to the conditions being attached to students' return.

Parents who spoke to this publication say they have received communication from the school outlining a mandatory charge linked to the destruction that occurred during the unrest. The directive requires every student seeking readmission to make a one-off payment before being allowed back to school.

According to the message sent to parents, each student will be required to pay Ksh 33,000 as a penalty for damages.

The directive has sparked debate among parents, some of whom are questioning how the figure was arrived at and whether a detailed assessment of the destruction has been shared with families.

Several parents argued that while those responsible for damaging school property should be held accountable, there should be greater transparency regarding the basis of the charge being imposed across the student population.

Others claimed that when multiplied across the school's enrolment, the amount expected to be collected could run into tens of millions of shillings.

"Jambo Cyprian. Kindly talk about this case. Parents of Ambira High have been told to each pay 33,000, which will be 50 million. No vehicle was destroyed, no building was burnt. The students were complaining why the administration was protecting gay students. This is the messsage the school sent us," said one parent.

The concerns come weeks after authorities launched investigations into the unrest, which erupted at the school and resulted in extensive destruction of property.

At the time, officials cited a range of issues that were being investigated as possible triggers of the protests.

Parents are now calling on the Ministry of Education, the Siaya County Director of Education, and the Board of Management of Ambira Boys High School to immediately release a detailed, itemised assessment of all damage attributed to the unrest and explain how the Ksh 33,000 per student charge was determined.

They are urging fellow parents to formally request copies of any damage assessment reports, insurance evaluations, and Board resolutions authorizing the levy before making payments.

Parents are also demanding that education authorities independently verify the repair costs and publicly account for how any funds collected from families will be spent.

The parents maintain that before learners are readmitted, there should be full transparency regarding the extent of the damage, the repair budget, and the basis upon which every family is being asked to contribute.