In the new measures, the government has warned school heads against imposing unauthorized levies and inflating fees beyond the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education.
The directive comes amid growing public concern over the rising cost of education, with many parents struggling to keep up due to the high cost of living.
Speaking during a recent address, Ruto emphasized that education must remain accessible and affordable to all Kenyan children, regardless of their background.
He noted that some institutions have been exploiting loopholes to charge extra fees, undermining government efforts to provide equitable education.
The President directed the Ministry of Education to conduct immediate audits on school fee structures and take stern action against institutions found violating the set regulations.
School principals and boards of management have also been cautioned that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action, including possible removal from their positions.
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At the same time, the government reaffirmed its commitment to capitation funding for public schools, ensuring that institutions receive adequate support to run their operations without overburdening parents.
Ruto reiterated that the state will continue to prioritize education as a key pillar of national development.
Parents and education stakeholders have largely welcomed the move, terming it a timely intervention.
Many have long complained about hidden charges, including development fees and activity levies, which often push the total cost far beyond the official limits.
However, some school administrators argue that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet operational costs, especially with inflation affecting basic commodities and services.
They are now calling for a review of capitation to match the economic realities on the ground.
As schools prepare to reopen, all eyes will be on how effectively these directives will be enforced. The success of the initiative will largely depend on strict monitoring and cooperation between the government, school management, and parents.
