NAIROBI, Kenya – The national government will not finance the reconstruction of Litein High School in Kericho County, which was significantly damaged during a violent student strike in September 2025. In a definitive statement on Monday, October 27, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced that parents must bear the full cost of rebuilding the institution.

“The government won't spend taxpayers' money to rebuild schools destroyed by indiscipline. That is a burden that falls squarely on the parents,” Ogamba stated during a visit to the school to assess the damage, estimated at Ksh69 million. His remarks confirm a hardline stance from the Ministry of Education, effectively shifting the responsibility for infrastructure restoration from the state to the community in cases of arson and vandalism by students.

The decision affects hundreds of students at the prominent school in Bureti Constituency, which was closed indefinitely following the September 21 rampage that saw an administration block, classrooms, and laboratories razed. The unrest left a trail of destruction, prompting the school's closure just weeks before the commencement of national examinations.

Court Intervention and Local Response

The ministry's declaration comes amidst a legal battle between the school's administration and parents over reconstruction levies. The school had initially imposed a fine of Ksh49,000 per student to cover the damages, a figure many parents deemed punitive and unaffordable. Following a legal challenge, the High Court in Kericho intervened, with Justice Joseph Sergon describing the initial amount as “unreasonable and oppressive.” The court provided a major reprieve by ordering an interim flat payment of Ksh10,000 per student to allow learners, especially Form Four candidates, to resume their studies.

Local leaders and education stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the incident and the subsequent funding standoff. Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, himself an alumnus of the school, had earlier condemned the destruction. The recurring unrest at the institution has led to calls for an investigation into the school's management by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Parents' lawyers have argued that the repeated strikes point to deeper administrative issues that financially penalize families.

Unpacking School Funding Mechanisms

The Cabinet Secretary's position highlights the complex and often contentious issue of school infrastructure funding in Kenya. While the government provides capitation funds for school operations, major capital projects, especially those arising from disasters or destruction, are not automatically covered by the Ministry of Education's budget.

Several funding avenues exist, though their application in this context is now under scrutiny:

• National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF): This fund is a primary source for infrastructure development in schools, including the construction of classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories. However, its use for repairing damage caused by student indiscipline is not explicitly defined and often depends on the priorities of the local NG-CDF committee and the area Member of Parliament.
• County Governments: While basic education is a national government function, county governments often supplement infrastructure projects in schools within their jurisdictions, although they are not mandated to do so.
• Community Fundraising (Harambee): Historically, local communities have played a significant role in building and maintaining schools through fundraising efforts. The CS's directive effectively pushes Litein High School towards this model.

While ruling out direct funding for the destroyed buildings, CS Ogamba did pledge limited government support to construct a perimeter wall around the school. He noted that the school's proximity to Litein town makes it vulnerable to outside interference, and enhancing security is a priority.

A National Precedent?

The Ministry of Education's firm stance on Litein High School is being watched closely as it could set a precedent for how the government responds to the perennial problem of school unrest and arson across Kenya. By insisting on parental liability, the ministry is sending a strong message of accountability. However, it also raises critical questions about the financial capacity of parents, the underlying causes of student indiscipline, and the shared responsibility of ensuring a conducive learning environment.

As the students of Litein, particularly the KCSE candidates, navigate an uncertain academic period, the focus shifts to the school's board, parents, and local leadership to devise a viable reconstruction plan. The High Court is expected to issue a final judgment on the matter after November 21, 2025, which will further clarify the financial obligations of all parties involved.