High Court halts Litein Boys High School fire levy row, allows students back after dorm fire
In his interim ruling, Justice Joseph Sergon urged both parties to find a practical compromise that would allow students to return to class as the case proceeds.
The High Court has granted temporary relief to parents of students at Litein High School in a dispute over a Ksh 49,699 reconstruction levy imposed after a dormitory fire.
Justice Joseph Sergon on Tuesday directed that students be allowed to resume learning after paying Sh10,000 each, with an additional Sh5,000 to be cleared within a week, pending the outcome of the case.
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The orders followed a plea by lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, representing the parents, who argued that the levy was excessive and insensitive to the financial struggles many families face.
Not affordable
Omari told the court that most parents could not afford the demanded amount and warned that locking out students who were unable to pay could fuel more unrest.
"If others are allowed in class while some remain at home, we risk igniting another strike. The pain of these parents must be heard," he submitted.
The school’s lawyer opposed the application, maintaining that the levy had been approved by the board of management and was necessary to repair dormitories, replace burnt computers, and restock food supplies lost during the fire.
The principal insisted that the school needed at least Sh25,000 per student to restore normal learning conditions.
In his interim ruling, Justice Sergon urged both parties to find a practical compromise that would allow students to return to class as the case proceeds.
He proposed that parents pay a smaller amount to enable learning to continue and national examinations to take place as scheduled.
Omari welcomed the decision, describing it as “a reasonable and humane solution” that restored dignity to both parents and students.
The school administration also agreed to comply with the temporary orders, pledging to remain flexible as parents gradually settle the remaining balance.
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