Parents Threaten to Withdraw Learners Over ‘Unjustified’ Fee Hike

Parents at Parklands Baptist School in Westlands have raised alarm over a sudden 20 percent increase in school fees for the 2026 academic year, terming the move unjustified and disrespectful.

The announcement, made on October 22, 2025, without prior consultation, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and stakeholder inclusion in school governance.

The frustrated parents are demanding that the Board of Management (BOM) suspend the fee increment, engage stakeholders in dialogue, and initiate a forensic financial audit to justify the hike.

They argue that despite the significant increase, there have been no corresponding improvements in infrastructure, food quality, learning facilities, or extracurricular programs.

“We budgeted for 2025–2026 based on previous fee structures, but this abrupt 20 percent jump is unaffordable amid tough economic times,” said Darlyn, a mother of four enrolled at the school. She urged the BOM and school leadership to meet parents and explain the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing that transparency is key to maintaining trust.

Dr. Mugo, a parent of three pupils echoed similar frustrations, calling for more inclusive governance. “Parents should be part of discussions on fee adjustments. We appreciate that costs are rising, but accountability must guide decisions. The BOM should explore innovative cost-saving measures—like building an on-site swimming pool instead of paying for external facilities,” he said.

The parents’ representatives have also expressed disappointment over the board’s apparent lack of responsiveness. Daniel, the chairperson of the parents’ committee, revealed that the BOM declined to send any delegate to a scheduled meeting with parents. “We raised concerns about poor food portions, non-functional laboratories, opaque promotions, and declining extracurricular activities. Yet, none of the board members who don’t even have children in the school showed up,” he lamented.

Christinea parent and a church Parklands Baptist church member criticized the absence of financial disclosure and proper oversight. “There have been no financial reports or audit statements to justify the more than KSh 30,000 increase per child. We want transparency and accountability in how our fees are used,” she said.

The parents are now demanding the separation of the school’s administration from the church’s management, citing provisions of the Basic Education Act, and the immediate establishment of a functional Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), which has been inactive for years. They also called for publication of BOM meeting minutes relating to the fee increment.

With the board’s response described as vague and non-committal, parents have vowed to escalate their demands if ignored. The standoff now highlights a broader call for participatory governance and financial accountability within Kenya’s private education sector