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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has declared the national government will not fund the reconstruction of Litein High School, destroyed in student riots. The decision places the financial burden on parents and ignites a national debate on funding

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.
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.
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:
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.
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.