CS Ogamba Warns Schools Against Illegal Extra Charges During Admissions
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a strong warning to school principals who impose illegal extra charges or demand bribes from parents during student admissions, saying such actions will attract serious legal and administrative consequences.
Speaking during an interview on Capital FM on Tuesday, January 20, Ogamba said the government intentionally introduced a digital admission system to close corruption loopholes that had allowed some school administrators to exploit parents.
According to the CS, the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) is now being used to admit learners into schools in a transparent manner, reducing human interference in the process.
He noted that despite this, some principals still find ways to demand money from parents in exchange for school placements.
“We are using KEMIS to admit students to schools so that we remove unnecessary admission requirements from teachers. Unfortunately, some school principals still ask for bribes so that a learner can secure a place in a school,” Ogamba said.
To curb the vice, the CS urged parents and learners to remain vigilant and report any school official who demands bribes or extra levies during the admission process.
He directed that such cases should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or to education offices at the sub-county or county level to allow swift action to be taken.
“This is something we have repeatedly told parents. If a principal asks you for that kind of money, report the matter to the police or our education officers so that appropriate action can be taken,” he stated.
Ogamba emphasized that all additional charges imposed without approval are illegal and irregular. He explained that the government already provides schools with sufficient funding and that parents should not be subjected to unnecessary financial pressure by learning institutions.
“The government is paying its share of the money required to run schools. Extra levies are not supposed to be charged on parents. This has already been gazetted, and principals are fully aware that such charges are illegal,” he reiterated.
However, the CS clarified that schools are allowed to collect extra funds only under strict conditions. He explained that any additional charges must first be discussed and agreed upon by parents during an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Even after parents approve the charges at an AGM, Ogamba said schools must formally apply for permission from the Ministry of Education before implementing the levy. Without government approval, any extra charges remain unlawful.
“Principals should only charge additional fees if parents agree during an annual general meeting. After that, the school must seek permission from the government before collecting the money,” he explained.
During the same interview, Ogamba also dismissed claims that government capitation for basic education had been reduced. He assured parents and school administrators that funding levels remain unchanged.
He stated that senior schools receive Ksh22,244 per learner, junior schools receive Ksh15,000, while primary schools are allocated Ksh1,400 per pupil.
The CS concluded by urging parents to work closely with education authorities and to speak out against corruption, saying the government is committed to protecting learners and ensuring access to free and fair education across the country.
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