The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has asked the government to uphold a High Court order that suspended the payment of school fees via the e-Citizen platform.
Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori opposed the directive by the government saying it would be difficult for many parents.
Though the union does not oppose the use of technology, Misori said there is a need for public participation before the directive is implemented.
"If the directive is implemented without public participation, students from less fortunate families will not go to school," he said.
Misori spoke on Tuesday in Kirinyaga after meeting union representatives from the region.
He noted that most parents, particularly from rural areas pay school fees using agricultural products.
Misori sought that the ministry explain how such parents who pay fees in kind are going to pay fees on the eCitizen platform.
"There are also parents who do casual jobs in schools to pay fees for their children. How will they be able to do so on the e-Citizen platform?" he posed.
High Court judge Justice Chacha Mwita gave the order on January 7 following a petition filed against it by a Nakuru-based Dr Magare Gikenyi.
Justice Mwita noted that the petition had raised fundamental questions warranting his directive.
"That an interim conservatory order is herby issued suspending the Circular or letter by the Principal Secretary (Belio R Kipsang), Ministry of Education dated 31st January 2024, requiring parents/Guardians and or students to pay fees and or any other levies for all government learning institutions through e-citizen platform or any other Digital platform(s) until 13th February 2024, when the court will issue further directions in this petition," Mwita said.
Gikenyi told the court that forcing parents to pay their school fees through eCitizen without their public participation is irrational.
He argued that there is currently no legislation or framework that will guide how the said funds are utilized and sent back to the end users.
He said the transaction fee of sh 50 per transaction was arrived at curiously.
Justice Mwita directed Magare to serve his papers to the respondents and come back to court on February 13 for further directions.
