- Kalonzo said there should be a more consultative and inclusive approach in decision-making processes in ministry of Education.
- He urged the government to prioritise affordability and accessibility in education.
Image: KALONZO MUSYOKA/X
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the government of employing high-handed tactics with the order for parents to pay school fees via e-Citizen.
Kalonzo condemned the imposition of the payment method on parents and called for reconsideration of the policy.
“There should be a more consultative and inclusive approach in decision-making processes related to education,” he said.
Speaking in Kitengela at the party's office, Kalonzo urged the government to prioritise affordability and accessibility in education, emphasising the need for policies that empower families rather than burden them further.
The Council of Governors has since asked the government to suspend the move to have parents pay school fees through the Citizen platform.
Speaking on Tuesday, CoG education committee chairman Eric Mutai said there should be a proper structure and information for the move to be implemented.
"I laud the government initiative to have fees paid at the eCitizen. However, we just call for proper structures and proper information because children have reported to school and learning is ongoing," he said.
Mutai called on the government to be organised when giving out such directives to avoid disruption as schools have resumed.
National schools have been directed to submit bank details of their institutions to enable parents to pay fees through the eCitizen platform to improve service delivery.
In a circular sent to the national school principals through the County Directors of Education, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said parents and guardians will now be required to pay school fees through the eCitizen platform.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers secretary-general Akelo Misori dismissed the directive saying it lacked a policy framework and was bound to fail.
“What is needed is a robust system and not a policy that will create confusion in the management of school resources,” Misori said.
The chairman of the National Parents Association Silas Obuhatsa, welcomed the initiative, saying it will enhance transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.