Parents Demand Dialogue, Accountability Over Proposed Parklands Baptist School Fee Hike

Parents at Parklands Baptist School are pressing the management to open discussions and provide clear financial disclosures following a proposed 20 percent increase in school fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. They say the decision was made without stakeholder consultation or any attempt by the school or the Board of Management (BoM) to justify the increment.

The unrest escalated during a parents’ meeting on Tuesday, where many expressed disappointment that the BoM neither attended nor sent a representative to address their concerns. Parents argued that the sudden fee hike comes at a time when many households are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Ms. Doreen, who has four children at the school, said the manner in which the new fees were communicated had undermined parents’ confidence in the administration. “We were informed about the 20 percent fee hike toward the end of the term, with no prior notice or explanation. Times are tough, and such a decision is inconsiderate,” she said.

A major grievance raised was the school’s failure to establish a Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), which is mandatory under the Basic Education Act of 2013. Parents believe a PTA would provide a platform for engagement and shared decision-making.

“For over a decade, we’ve advocated for a PTA, but the board and school administration have ignored our pleas,” said parent representative Mr. Mbaya. “Without structured engagement, decisions continue to be made behind closed doors.”

Another parent, Dr. Mumo, noted that transparent communication could help the school manage rising operational costs more effectively. “We understand the cost of running a school is high, but transparency is key. The board should present its financial challenges to parents and explore cost-effective solutions. For example, building an on-site swimming pool could save millions currently spent on external lessons,” he said. He also urged the school to separate church and school roles, saying the current overlap hampers accountability. “The church should provide oversight, not manage daily operations. Without transparency, funds risk being diverted,” he added.

Parent representatives led by Mr. Mburu, the chair of class representatives, accused the BoM of failing to engage with families. “In three years, the board has not met parents even once. They issue memos instead of explanations, and most members do not have children in the school,” he said.

He added that deteriorating facilities including inadequate dining space, poorly equipped laboratories, and declining extracurricular activities were further evidence that the school’s standards were slipping. “Some students eat while holding plates on their laps because there are no dining tables. The labs are barely functional, and extracurricular programs that once defined the school’s excellence have faded,” he said.

The parents are now pushing for a forensic audit of the school’s finances for the past three years before any fee adjustment is implemented. They also want the Parklands Baptist Church leadership to convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM), reconstitute the BoM, and establish a functional PTA to enhance accountability.

“Our call is simple,” said Mr. Mbaya. “Let’s stop the fee hike, have open dialogue, and work together to restore trust. We want this school to thrive—but it must be built on transparency.”