Schools Using Tricks To Escape Tuition Ban

For several years now,the government of Kenya has banned tution for school children during the April,August and December holidays siting no play time among other issues. Public primary schools are using tricks to ensure they hold holiday tuition despite a government ban.

At the same time, parents have complained of being asked to pay exorbitant fees for holiday the tuition which school heads are demanding that all learners must attend. Some schools are conducting tuition in churches and other venues and asking pupils to wear home clothes.

A spot check by the Nation showed pupils are arriving at study centers as early as 8 am and leaving at 1 pm.

The tuition is mainly for classes six to eight although in some schools, even those in classes four and five are attending.

Pupils at Farasi Lane and Lower Kabete Primary schools, both in Nairobi County are carrying out their holiday tuition at the neighbouring Kabete Approved Juvenile School.

“We are asked to pay Sh1,000 for 10 days tuition and every pupil must attend since they cover part of the syllabus,” said a parent with a child at Farasi Lane Primary school. The parent declined to be named for fear that her child may be victimised.

Westlands Primary School’s holiday tuition is at the neighbouring Anglican St Marks Church. Parents pay Sh2,500 for the two-week tuition.

“It is a must to attend for every pupil. This is unfair as the government has banned holiday tuition,” said a frustrated parent.

But another parent said parents and school heads had agreed to have tuition to give the pupils a competitive edge for secondary school.

The Ministry of Education Assistant Director, Public Communications, Mr Kennedy Buhere, has said raids will be conducted on areas suspected to be carrying out tuition.

Reference : www.nation.co.ke