Kenya schools upholding ban on holiday tuition

The ban on holiday tuition by Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo is being adhered to by a girl’s high school in Nairobi. Buru Buru Girls high school was yesterday forced to send back home its form four students after the minister instructed parents and teachers not to take children back to school during the holiday. The students that arrived in uniform and carrying shopping were asked to return home at the school gate by the watchman and some teachers. According to a teacher in the school, the administration decided to send back the students to avoid disrespecting the law. “We are being obedient. We are doing what we were asked to do, so we are sending back the students. The only students in school are those attending the East Africa games, "The teacher said.

The minister wants holiday tuition abolished because it limits pupils' right to enjoy the vacation with parents. It was outlawed in 2009 through a circular by the ministry. Mr Mutula had also argued that other than some teachers deliberately dragging syllabus coverage to cash in on desperate parents who want to make their children pass, the practice was depriving learners of social growth. Education bill 2012 that was presented by the minister was approved by the Cabinet and outlaws extra holiday tuition. About three weeks ago, Mr Kilonzo warned teachers and parents who would take their children to school when schools are on holiday that the law would take its course. The teacher further stated that the minister must be clear on what is expected of the teachers and the parents. According to the teacher, the minister has given many directives on holiday tuition, which are causing confusion among teachers and parents. “We are not sure what the minister wants. Is it okay for form four students alone or just for weak students, and what to him is remedial classes,” the teacher added. According to the Kenya National Union of Teachers holiday tuition helps weak pupils to catch up. The minister had also warned that any head teacher flouting the directive was violating the law

Students from Lugari going home after tuition was cancelled