Kilifi based leaders have called upon school administrators to retain students in schools who have fee arrears as they approach the national exams after complains from parents of their children being sent away from school.
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof.George Magoha had previously warned the school heads from sending the students home.
Speaking at Ndatani Primary School during the launch of construction of administration block, Paul Katana MP for Kaloleni said the students should remain in school when the candidates are nearing the National Examination.
“Students have the right to education and therefore school fees pressure should be mounted on the parents and government. No student should be sent away due to school fees balance since the Covid -19 pandemic has drained the parents. Both parents and leaders have a responsibility of paying school fees and other monies needed in school,” Katana said.
He promised to partner with education stakeholders in looking into the matter as to why humble family students are often sent home even they receive bursaries to clear the school fees.
Mwanamwimga Ward MCA Pascal Makanga emphasized on retaining of students in school since they have barely two months to sit for third last exams of the school calendar in order to maximize class time
“Most candidates from Tsangatsini, Mnazimwenga, Mariakini areas have to remained at home due to lack of school fees. I am calling upon teachers to allow students to maximize class time and achieve high scores like candidates in other counties,” Makanga said.
Gabriel Katana, County Executive member for devolution remarked the reasons as to why students are sent home include lack of geometrical set, pen or money required to purchase exam papers denying students class time leading to failure in school performance.
He highlighted that the government has formed bodies such as Board of Management to handle matters that affect the learning of students in schools.
The leaders urged Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof. George Magoha to release the exam circular for 2022 national candidates as early as possible to enhance preparations for both teachers and students.