Parents of Gatunguru Boys High School in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, protested after the school requested each parent to pay Ksh25,000 to repair dormitories destroyed by fire on September 7. No students were injured.
The fire destroyed the school’s dormitories, forcing students to stay home for over two weeks. This caused disruptions in learning, especially for students preparing for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The school board asked parents to pay all outstanding fees and contribute an extra Ksh25,000 for reconstruction. Parents said the amount was too high given the cost of living and financial pressures on families.
Some parents said the demand was unfair, particularly for Form Four students close to exams. The school said students would not return if the extra fees were not paid.
One parent reported that even after paying school fees, their child could not return to school due to the Ksh25,000 contribution. They suggested the government should help rather than make parents pay.
The school said the amount was reduced from Ksh50,000. The figure was determined after an assessment by the Department of Public Works, according to the school administration.
Peter Macharia, Board Chairperson, said the priority was to provide accommodation for students before exams. He said the Ksh25,000 fee was the fairest solution after discussions with parents.
Parents said the fee added to the financial burden of school fees and household expenses. They said it was difficult to pay the extra amount while managing other costs.
The fire and the fee request have raised concerns over school funding and student accommodation. Parents and the school are under pressure to find a solution that allows students to return to class.
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