Parents of students at Gatunguru Boys High School in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, stormed the institution on Monday after the administration directed each household to contribute Ksh25,000 for the reconstruction of dormitories that were razed by fire.
The inferno, which occurred on September 7, reduced the school’s dormitories to ashes, though no injuries were reported.
Since then, students have been at home for over two weeks, disrupting learning as the administration grappled with how to restore accommodation.
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According to the parents, the school’s board of management ordered them to clear all outstanding school fees and top up the Ksh25,000 for reconstruction before their children could be readmitted.
Many parents decried the directive as unfair and unrealistic, citing the harsh economic climate. “We are already struggling with school fees and other family needs.
Adding Ksh25,000 on top is too heavy for us,” lamented one parent.
Others expressed concern for candidates preparing for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, saying the delay was denying them valuable study time. “Our children are losing precious time while others are in class. This directive is unfair, especially to Form Fours who are almost sitting their exams,” another parent said.
Some parents noted that despite having cleared all school fees, their children remained at home simply because of the new levy.
They called on the government to intervene, accusing the school of shifting the burden to already struggling households.
In its defense, the school board explained that the figure had already been reduced from Ksh50,000 following an assessment by officers from the Department of Public Works.
Board Chairperson Peter Macharia maintained that the decision was made to urgently address accommodation needs.
“Our priority is to get the students back to school and provide them with housing. The Ksh25,000 contribution was the fairest compromise after consultations,” he said.
The incident adds to growing concerns over how public schools handle emergency reconstruction, with parents often bearing the cost despite government promises of support.