Parents to Pay Sh49,000 as Court Clears Litein Boys Damage Levy

The High Court in Kericho has upheld a Sh49,000 levy imposed on each parent at Litein Boys High School to pay for damage caused during student unrest in 2024.

Justice Joseph Sergon ruled that the levy was lawfully approved by the school’s Board of Management and followed proper consultation with parents. He dismissed a petition seeking to stop the charge, finding no evidence that the amount was arbitrary or unlawful.

The unrest occurred in mid-2024 and resulted in extensive destruction across the school. Damaged facilities included classrooms, administrative offices, teachers’ houses, the dining hall and several school buses, with some buildings set on fire. The losses were assessed at close to Sh100 million.

According to evidence presented in court, the disturbances were triggered by student complaints about food quality and the school administration’s decision to bar them from watching a football match. Parents, represented by Sheria Mtaani and lawyer Shadrack Wambui, argued that the levy was excessive and unfair. 

They maintained that the school administration failed to act on warnings that unrest was likely, and said making payment a condition for readmission violated students’ right to education. The court rejected these claims, noting that the Board of Management held meetings with the Parents’ Association before agreeing on the levy. 

Justice Sergon also cited reports from regional Public Works officers who inspected the school and assessed the extent of the damage, which informed the final amount. In his judgment, the judge stated that parents bear responsibility for their children’s conduct while in school, particularly where public property is destroyed. 

He held that the school acted within the law in seeking funds to repair and restore its facilities. The ruling affirms the authority of school boards to impose levies following due process and consultation. Litein Boys High School is now expected to proceed with collecting the funds as reconstruction work begins.