Lots of Kenyan parents still owe their former schools huge unpaid debts. The sad bit is that the majority have not bothered clearing up the remaining portion of money and are okay with it for there is no law putting a noose around their necks.
These schools have plunged into debts, with barely enough to see the incoming generation through a decent education system because the resources are inadequate. Some principals have tried holding on KCSE and leaving certificates of learners who are yet to clear fee arrears, but the government has been against it and huge numbers of learners do not follow up to collect their certificates with some of the certificates dating back to the 1970s.
To counter the mess, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has proposed that parents of students who leave school with fee arrears should be listed with the Credit Reference Bureau. Speaking to the National Assembly Committee on Education on the issue, Magoha said there was a need to relook and formulate legislation that will work for both the schools and needy students.
“Moving forward we need to look into the matter and get clear ways of how we can get to protect those who are poor and cannot pay and those who simply have refused to pay. It is not true that all those whose certificates have been held cannot pay their children’s fees. Some are capable but are not honouring their obligations,” Magoha said.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman Indimuli Kahi estimated that the fee arrears by former students amount to about Sh20 billion. The Education CS added that the ministry will work with county and sub-county directors of education to give certificates currently held in schools.
