High Court Suspends Government's eCitizen School Fees Directive

The High Court has issued a temporary suspension of the Ministry of Education's directive requiring parents to make school fee payments via the eCitizen platform.

The conservatory order ruled by the Milimani Law Courts Judge Chacha Mwita ruled in favour of Benjamin Magare Gikenji declaring the initiative illegal and a violation of the principle of good governance.

In a statement, the high court stated that it would give further directives on February 13, 2024.

“An interim conservatory order is herby issued suspending the Circular or letter by the Principal Secretary (Belio R Kipsang), Ministry of Education dated 31st January 2024, requiring parents/guardians and or students to pay fees and or any other levies for all government learning institutions through e-citizen platform or any other digital platform(s) until 13th February 2024, when the court will issue further directions in this petition,” the rule stated.

The Ministry of Education began the process on January 3, directing all principals of national schools to gather fees through the platform.

In support of the initiative, President William Ruto urged that the new policy would aid in eliminating illegal levies charged by certain schools.

“The cash payments system is slippery and often an avenue for corruption. Technology will help us eliminate this,” he said.

More to follow………