NPA WARNS SCHOOLS: STOP “HIDDEN” LEVIES AND FORCED FOOD CONTRIBUTIONS OR FACE ACTION
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NAIROBI, KENYA — The National Parents Association (NPA) has issued a strong warning to school administrators, Boards of Management and other education officials against imposing unauthorised levies or compelling parents to provide foodstuffs and other material contributions without following the prescribed Government procedures.
The Association says it has received concerns from parents over schools allegedly introducing additional charges and demanding foodstuffs and other household items beyond approved school requirements.
The NPA has reminded public schools that additional charges cannot be introduced solely at the discretion of school administrators or Boards of Management. Under Section 29 of the Basic Education Act, additional charges require the prescribed Government approval, and no learner should be denied access to education because of failure to pay such charges.
The Association has therefore urged school administrators to obtain the requisite approval through the Ministry of Education before introducing any additional levy or compulsory contribution.
FOOD CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER SCRUTINY
The NPA has also raised concern over practices in which parents are directed or compelled to supply foodstuffs, farm produce or other household items to schools.
According to the Association, where such contributions become compulsory requirements, schools must ensure that the arrangements are lawful, properly authorised and consistent with Ministry of Education policies as well as applicable financial-management and procurement requirements.
The NPA has cautioned schools against turning feeding programmes, projects and other institutional activities into avenues for imposing unapproved financial or material burdens on parents.
ADMINISTRATORS COULD FACE ACTION
The Association has warned that school administrators who disregard Government policy and applicable laws may face investigations and appropriate administrative, regulatory or disciplinary action by relevant Government agencies, including the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission, depending on the circumstances.
The NPA says issues involving financial mismanagement, failure to follow applicable procedures and certain procurement-related violations may have professional and disciplinary consequences.
The Association has consequently urged school heads and Boards of Management to exercise caution and ensure that every financial or material demand made upon parents complies with the law and approved Government procedures.
NPA GUIDANCE TO PARENTS
Parents and guardians facing suspected unauthorised levies have been urged to pursue the established channels rather than resorting to confrontation.
The NPA recommends the following escalation process:
- School Parents’ Association Chairperson – Raise the matter through the school’s parents’ leadership structures and seek clarification from the administration.
- National Parents Association structures – Where the issue remains unresolved, seek assistance from the relevant NPA leadership or National Office.
- Sub-County Director of Education – Lodge a formal complaint where there is evidence of an unauthorised levy or compulsory contribution.
- County Director of Education – Escalate unresolved matters for further administrative intervention.
Parents have also been advised to preserve receipts, fee structures, circulars, letters, WhatsApp messages, payment instructions and other documentation relating to disputed charges or contributions.
CALL FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT
The NPA has further referred to its earlier correspondence to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, concerning concerns raised by parents over unauthorised levies and related demands.
The Association is calling on the Ministry of Education to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms while providing schools with clear guidance on what may lawfully be collected from parents.
The NPA has emphasised that no learner should be disadvantaged because a parent or guardian is unable or unwilling to meet an unauthorised demand.
The Association says it will continue working with the Ministry of Education, TSC, parents’ associations and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability and compliance in the management of schools.
The message from the NPA is clear: school contributions must follow the law, not individual school decisions.
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