By:Rhoda Bogeta
High court intervenes in Liten High School fee dispute after student unrest.Justice Sergon orders Litein High school to readmit students after paying sh 10,000 as deposit.
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The High Court has intervened to resolve a dispute between Liten High School and parents concerning a contentious levy of 49,000 shillings imposed on students after recent unrest at the institution.
Advocates Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, appearing for the parents, requested the court to permit learners to resume classes upon paying 10,000 shillings each, arguing that the move would help calm tensions among parents and students.
“If some are in school while others remain at home, are we not inviting another protest? Let’s listen to the plight of the boys and their parents,” Omari stated, pointing out that many families could not manage both the 49,000 shillings penalty and pending school fees.
However, the school principal, who appeared before the court, said the administration had resolved that each parent should pay 25,000 shillings to help purchase computers, refurbish dormitories, and provide food for the learners.
The institution’s lawyer defended the levy, insisting that the 25,000 shillings was essential to cater for food and replace destroyed property such as computers and dormitory equipment. He clarified that the decision originated from the Board of Management and not the principal.
“The 10,000 shillings is below the minimum amount required to ensure students’ comfort in school,” the lawyer argued, adding that some learners had already begun paying and were being allowed back to class.
In an effort to reach a compromise, the court suggested that students pay 10,000 shillings immediately and another 5,000 shillings after one week, allowing them to sit their examinations as the case progresses.
Omari welcomed the proposal, terming it a practical interim solution as the court determines whether the 49,000 shillings fine was justified.The principal also accepted the arrangement, stressing that parents should commit to clearing the balance later.
The parents, through lawyer Danstan Omari, had earlier filed a petition challenging the school’s decision to impose the 49,699 shillings fine for reconstruction following a fire incident.
