The high court has temporarily suspended a circular by the Ministry of Education directing parents to pay school fees or any other government levies via the online platform e-Citizen.

The court issued a conservatory order suspending the implementation of the directive by the Ministry pending further directions from the court on February 13.

Judge Chacha Mwita issued the orders following a petition filed by Nakuru surgeon Dr Magare Gikenyi.

Dr. Magare Gikenyi, who is a Consultant Trauma and General Surgeon working for the county government of Nakuru, termed the initiative as illegal, adding that it violates the principles of good governance.

The doctor stated that the program proceeded without involving the public and is imposing a fee of Ksh.50 per transaction.

“The decision was arrived at capriciously, whimsically and without any of public participation.”

“Parents in rural areas who had been paying school fees via non-cash (trading maize and beans to the school) means will be locked out through this unfair administrative action.”

Dr. Magare now wants the court to stop the program until it meets the necessary criteria.

Earlier on President William Ruto had indicated that the new school fees directive is unstoppable.

Ruto who was speaking during his official visit to Japan indicated that the digitization of government services will eradicate the abuse of cash payment.

“Payment of school fees through e-citizen won’t be stopped since it helps to eliminate the payment of extra levies by some schools,” Ruto said.

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