The High Court has stepped in to mediate a dispute between Liten High School management and parents following a contentious Ksh 49,000 fine imposed on students after recent unrest at the institution.
During a court session, parents’ lawyers urged the court to allow students to resume learning upon paying Ksh 10,000 each, arguing that the hefty penalty was unaffordable for many families and risked fueling further tension.
“If some students are in school while others are locked out, are we not igniting another strike? Let’s consider the pain of the boys and their parents,” said advocate Danstan Omari, noting that most parents were already struggling with pending school fees.
However, the school principal defended the management’s decision, telling the court that after internal consultations, the Board of Management had revised the amount to Ksh 25,000 per student to help cover the cost of replacing damaged items, renovating dormitories, purchasing computers, and restocking food supplies.
The school’s lawyer maintained that the amount was necessary to restore normal operations and ensure a conducive environment for learning.
“The Ksh 10,000 suggested is below the minimum needed for the students’ comfort and safety,” the school’s counsel argued, adding that some students had already paid and been readmitted.
Court’s Temporary Compromise
To ease tensions and allow students to continue their education, the court proposed a middle-ground solution: each student would pay Ksh 10,000 immediately, followed by an additional Ksh 5,000 within a week, ensuring they could sit for their upcoming exams as the case proceeds.
The proposal was welcomed by lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrach Wambui, representing the parents, who described it as a fair and practical interim measure pending a final ruling on whether the Ksh 49,000 fine was lawful and proportionate.
The school principal also accepted the arrangement, with the understanding that parents would commit to settling any remaining balance once the court issues its decision.
The matter arose after the school management imposed the fine to cover reconstruction costs following a fire incident linked to student unrest. The case will continue as the court seeks a lasting resolution to the standoff.
