A new survey reveals that 64.9% of day-school learners in Kenya are being sent home or denied access to classes due to illegal levies, undermining the constitutional guarantee of free and compulsory basic education. The findings, highlighted by a comprehensive study, expose how hidden costs persist despite the government’s Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) policy, which was intended to alleviate financial burdens on families. The levies, ranging from Sh15,000 to Sh20,000 in day schools and up to Sh60,000 in boarding institutions, are often demanded verbally to evade scrutiny, according to the report. These charges include fees for lunch, remedial classes, holiday tuition, and ICT services, exacerbating inequality and exclusion.
The survey underscores systemic failures in the FDSE program, which has faced criticism for its inability to deliver on promises. While the government allocates Sh22,244 per learner annually, schools frequently receive significantly less, leading to budget shortfalls that impact educational quality. This financial gap contributes to 51.1% of day scholars and 29.3% of boarding students missing their examinations. Critics argue that the policy’s shortcomings reflect broader institutional deficits, with stakeholders urging immediate action to address the crisis. The report also notes that 40.5% of boarding school learners are affected, highlighting the uneven impact of these levies across school types.
Public interest implications are profound, as the levies effectively punish students for their families’ financial struggles, violating their constitutional right to education. Advocates, including Stellah Bosire, emphasize that no child should suffer due to parental inability to pay. Meanwhile, Macharia Gaitho’s open letter to Aliko Dangote reflects broader calls for accountability in education funding. The Ministry of Education faces mounting pressure to conduct a systematic audit of school fee structures and enforce disciplinary measures against administrators imposing unauthorized charges. Without intervention, the crisis risks deepening disparities and eroding trust in public education systems.
The findings have reignited debates over the government’s commitment to equitable education. With the FDSE policy failing to protect vulnerable learners, civil society groups and educators are demanding transparency and accountability. The report serves as a stark reminder that without addressing systemic underfunding and corruption, Kenya’s vision of accessible education remains unattainable for many. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for urgent reform grows louder, emphasizing the need to prioritize children’s rights over institutional inertia.