Private learning institutions in Nyeri County have challenged the national and county governments to waive this year’s taxes and other charges.
They also summoned the Education ministry to issue Sh7 billion it promised private schools to moderate the Covid-19 pandemic fallout.
Earlier in August, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha assured that the government would issue the money as a concessional loan to private schools which will confirm they can refund.
Ndima Kanini Academy headteacher Lincoln Njogu said the majority of private schools are grappling to survive as they have not been in business for the last 7 months.
Learning institutions were closed down in March following evidence of the first Covid-19 case in Kenya. Njogu said despite them not having other sources of income, they had to foot bills incurred by the schools.
They involve taxes and other expenses imposed by the national and county governments, insurance cover for schools vehicles, electricity and the school and water bills among others that were paid even during the 7 months schools were closed.
He said that despite only Grade 4 and Standard 8 resuming learning, some charges have not reduced despite the small number of pupils.
“Many parents lost their sources of income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and therefore were unable to pay school fees when Grade 4 and Class 8 pupils resumed school,” Njogu said.
Teachers, Njogu said, since they reported to school they have been working without pay or on half-pay. “Two classes cannot sustain their salaries in full and so some schools have not been paying teachers,” he said.
