Alliance Girls Principal Faces Action Over Fee Hike
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has recommended disciplinary action against the principal of Alliance Girls High School, Margaret Njeru, following the implementation of an unauthorized school fee increase that has sparked national concern.
The directive, addressed to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), comes after an investigative assessment by the Ministry of Education uncovered significant irregularities in the school’s financial management.
Illegal Fee Increase Exposed
According to CS Ogamba, the school raised fees from the government-approved Ksh.53,558 to a staggering Ksh.120,179 without obtaining the required authorization.
The CS stated that the move violated Basic Education Act 2013, which mandates that any fee adjustments in public schools must receive prior approval from the Education Cabinet Secretary.
“The unauthorised fees structure was imposed without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary as by law required,” Ogamba said.
This sharp increase placed an unexpected financial burden on parents and guardians, triggering complaints and prompting government intervention.
Questionable Budget Raises Red Flags
Further scrutiny revealed that the fee hike was driven by a budget filled with what the ministry described as “non-essential and unrealistic expenditure items.”
Among the controversial allocations were:
- Ksh.1.1 million for moral and spiritual activities
- Ksh.16 million for annual school trips
- Ksh.13 million for prize giving and speeches
- Ksh.5 million for vouchers, sweets, and examiners
- Ksh.3 million for airtime and administrative allowances
The findings painted a picture of financial mismanagement, with spending priorities raising serious concerns about accountability within the institution.
Dubai Trip Sparks Outrage
One of the most striking revelations in the report was the approval of a Ksh.25 million budget for a five-day staff trip to Dubai.
According to Ogamba, the school’s Board of Management sanctioned the trip during a meeting held on October 16, 2025, despite lacking sufficient funds.
The board reportedly instructed the school management to find ways to bridge a Ksh.13 million deficit, a move the ministry has criticized as irresponsible and imprudent.
Board of Management Under Fire
The Ministry’s Quality Assurance and Standards Directorate also faulted the school’s Board of Management for failing in its oversight role.
In a separate letter to Regional Director of Education Sabina Aroni, CS Ogamba recommended the dissolution of the board.
He emphasized that the board’s approval of inflated and unjustified expenditures directly contributed to the illegal fee increment.
Next Steps and Possible Consequences
The matter has now been escalated to the County Education Board for further review and recommendations.
If the recommendations are upheld:
- The principal could face disciplinary action from TSC
- The Board of Management may be dissolved
- Financial reforms could be enforced at the school
This case adds to growing scrutiny over financial practices in Kenyan public schools, especially elite national institutions.
Wider Implications for Parents and Schools
The Alliance Girls saga highlights a broader issue affecting parents across Kenya—unauthorized fee increases and lack of transparency in school budgeting.
The government has in recent years tightened regulations to protect parents from arbitrary charges, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Education stakeholders are now calling for stricter oversight, clearer guidelines, and tougher penalties to deter similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The action by CS Julius Ogamba signals a firm stance by the government against financial mismanagement in schools.
As investigations continue, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled across the country, potentially reshaping accountability standards in Kenya’s education sector.