The court stepped in after parents challenged the amount, saying many families could not afford the payment while also meeting school fee obligations.
Parents seek reduction of school fine
Lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, representing the parents, asked the court to consider the financial challenges facing families.
The lawyers requested that students return to class after paying KSh 10,000 instead of the full KSh 49,000 amount.
Omari argued that keeping some students out of school could create more tension and possibly trigger further unrest.
“If others are in school and others are not, are we not instigating another strike? Let’s listen to the pain of the boys and their parents,” Omari told the court.
Parents said the fine placed a heavy burden on families, with some struggling to pay regular school fees.
They maintained that they were willing to support the school but could not raise the full amount immediately.
School defends reconstruction levy
Liten High School management defended the fine, saying the money would help repair facilities damaged during the unrest.
The school principal told the court that the institution needed at least KSh 25,000 from each student to restore dormitories, replace damaged computers, and replenish food supplies.
The school’s lawyer said the Board of Management approved the levy as part of efforts to restore normal learning conditions.
Court proposes temporary solution
To resolve the dispute, the court suggested a payment plan that would allow students to resume classes.
The court proposed that each student pays KSh 10,000 immediately and clears an additional KSh 5,000 within one week.
The proposal aims to allow students to return to school and sit for examinations as the case continues.
Omari welcomed the suggestion, describing it as a fair temporary solution that protects the interests of both parents and learners.
The school principal also agreed to the arrangement and promised flexibility as parents continue making payments.
Parents challenge KSh 49,000 levy
The dispute began after Liten High School introduced a KSh 49,699 reconstruction levy following a dormitory fire that damaged school property.
The decision sparked concern among parents, who moved to court seeking intervention over the amount.
The High Court will continue monitoring the matter as both sides work towards a solution that allows learning to continue.
