Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has urged heads of private schools across the country to reduce fees as part of a push to provide quality and affordable education to as many learners as possible.
The CS recognised the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA)'s role in the country's education sector, emphasising the importance of collaboration in providing quality and inclusive education in schools.
In Kenya, the majority of students in private schools, particularly in primary school, receive a better education that includes a variety of extracurricular activities such as swimming, hiking, and foreign languages, as opposed to their counterparts in public schools.
Machogu argued that by reducing tuition fees, more learners including those from vulnerable backgrounds will be have access to quality education.
"That is why I urge you to work with the government to help reduce the operational cost of private schools, making quality education more accessible for all," he stated.
The CS lauded private schools for their immense contribution in ensuring the country continues to churn out qualified graduates across different sectors due to quality learning. He also recognised KPSA for its efforts in bridging the gap occasioned by the lack of adequate public education facilities.
Machogu also commended the private school heads for their efforts in working with the government to ensure 100 per cent student transition from primary to secondary.
"We remain committed to fostering a collaborative environment where both public and private institutions can thrive. We remain committed in ensuring the full inclusion of KPSA in government processes that directly affect your operations," CS Machogu assured the school heads.
He affirmed that their input will always be valued by government, referencing their major role in the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) which is set for its inaugural Junior Secondary School placement in 2025.
Responding to Machogu's plea, KPSA Chairman Charles Ochome assured the CS of their continued collaboration in ensuring consistent delivery of quality learning.
"We charge our school fees as per the operational costs. If the state can reduce operational costs, it will automatically lower school fees," he said.