Tuesday night sparked public outrage after photos and videos of St. Anne’s Girls Secondary School students stranded outside the school gates went viral. The incident raised concerns about school fees policies and the plight of students facing financial challenges.
Locked Out Over School Fees
The students alleged that they were denied entry due to unpaid school fees, with some reportedly waiting outside since morning.
“I have been here since 10:00 am. I’ve paid half of the school fees but haven’t been allowed in,” one student lamented.
Another questioned the strict policy: “They’re demanding the full Sh26,000, but is it fair to lock us out?”
Among those affected were students who had traveled from as far as Garissa, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Intervention by Makadara MP George Aladwa
Makadara MP George Aladwa took swift action after learning of the incident through social media.
“I dispatched my team to the school to assess the situation and instructed the management to allow the students entry. I’m pleased to report the matter has been resolved, and all students are now safely inside,” Aladwa shared online.
The MP urged parents to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution to the issue.
Public Reaction and Debate
The incident has reignited discussions around the challenges of school fees policies, with many Kenyans calling for more humane approaches to ensure students are not denied their right to education.
“This is a wake-up call for policymakers to address the financial burdens on families and prioritize access to education,” one commenter noted on social media.
St. Anne’s management has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, leaving many awaiting further clarification.
A Reflection on the Education Sector
This story sheds light on the broader challenges faced by families in securing quality education amid rising economic pressures. It also underscores the need for schools and authorities to find balanced solutions that uphold both institutional sustainability and students’ right to learn.
