Parents Demand Accountability as Parklands Baptist School Faces Fee Hike Crisis

Tension is brewing at Parklands Baptist School after the Board of Management announced a 20 percent increase in school fees without consulting parents, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

Parents at the institution convened a consultative meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fee increment, but the Board of Management failed to attend despite being invited. According to the Parents representatives, the decision to raise fees was made unilaterally, leaving many families struggling to plan for the coming academic year.

Speaking during the meeting,  Ms Daryln, a parent with four children enrolledin the intitutuion, expressed disappointment over what she termed as a “disrespectful and inconsiderate” decision by the school’s board.

“We received a communication that the school fees would be increased by 20 percent. We reached out to the board for a meeting to understand the rationale, but they  only responded in writing, not addressing the concerns raised but insisting that the new rates are justified. ,” said Darlyn 

She added that parents had already budgeted for the 2025–2026 academic year and were now being forced to readjust unexpectedly. Mbaya also questioned the justification for the increase, citing no visible improvement in school facilities, meals, or classroom conditions.

Parents are now demanding a forensic audit of the school’s finances to establish how funds collected in previous years were spent. They argue that such transparency would justify any future fee increments.

“We need accountability. Let the board show us how the money has been used. Without that, it feels unfair and disrespectful,” said another parent during the meeting

Dr. Mugo, another parent, echoed the concerns, urging the board to involve parents in key financial and management decisions. He proposed that the school explore cost-saving measures, such as constructing an in-house swimming pool to eliminate the high costs of using external facilities ad transportation.

“We spend millions taking our kids to Jacaranda for swimming. Building a pool within the school would save money and nurture our children’s talents,” said Dr. Mugo.

He further emphasized the need to separate church leadership from school management, arguing that merging the two had blurred accountability lines and school performance. giving an example of Strathmore school.

“The church should oversee, not manage the school. Let professionals and parents run the institution transparently,” he added.

The parents have called on the Parklands Baptist School Board to engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders to find a fair solution. They insist that without proper consultation and transparency, the school risks losing the trust of its parent community.

“Our prayer is for the board of management and the church to listen to parents, promote accountability, and prioritize our children’s education,” Dr. Mugo added.