Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has drawn a line in the sand. As the "Njaanuary" financial hangover bites, the CS has issued a stern warning to school principals: touch parents' pockets illegally, and you will face the law.

In a directive aimed at shielding parents from the annual ritual of exploitation, Ogamba declared that no school is allowed to charge extra levies without the explicit, documented consent of parents through an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The days of "development fees" and "remedial charges" appearing mysteriously on fee structures are, theoretically, over.

The 53,000 Shilling Ceiling

The CS reiterated that the government capitation stands, and boarding fees for national schools are capped at KES 53,000 per year. Any shilling above this amount is illegal unless sanctioned by the Ministry."The government is paying its portion," Ogamba stated. "Parents should not be forced to fill gaps that do not exist."

This clarification comes as a relief to millions of parents who have been bombarded with "admission requirements" that include everything from reams of paper to bags of cement. Ogamba expressly forbade asking for physical items in exchange for admission, calling it a "bribe by another name."

• Digital Admissions: To curb the corruption, the Ministry is enforcing the use of the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) for all admissions. This digital trail is intended to eliminate the "selling" of Form One slots to the highest bidder.
• Report the Cartels: Ogamba urged parents to be whistleblowers."Report it to the nearest police station," he said, turning the fight against illegal fees into a law enforcement issue. It is a bold move, effectively criminalizing the actions of rogue headteachers.

Enforcement is Key

While the directive is strong on paper, the reality on the ground is often different. Parents, desperate to secure slots for their children, often pay up quietly rather than risk victimization.

Ogamba’s success will be measured not by his words, but by the number of rogue principals who are actually sanctioned. Until then, parents are advised to carry the Ministry's circular in one hand and their fee balance in the other, ready to defend their rights. As the CS put it, "We must choose between the greed of a few and the education of the many."