In a dramatic twist to the ongoing standoff at Litein High School, the High Court in Kericho has slapped a Sh10,000 fine on each Form Four student involved in recent school unrest, paving the way for their return to school ahead of national examinations.
Justice Joseph Sergon, presiding over the case, described the payment as a “minimal and practical” disciplinary measure to allow candidates to resume learning without further delays.
The court ruling effectively overruled an earlier directive from the school’s management demanding Sh49,000 per student as compensation for damage during a recent strike.
The students, numbering over 800, had reportedly reported back for examination rehearsals last week but were denied entry.
According to their lawyer, Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, the school principal, Mr. Kiprotich Sang, enforced a blanket penalty on all students, citing damages linked to the previous term’s strike action.
“The Sh49,000 demand per student was punitive and unachievable, especially at a time when families across the country are struggling economically,” argued Omari in court.
He added that the administration’s handling of the matter would have jeopardized the future of over 2,500 learners, most of them innocent of any wrongdoing.
Justice Sergon criticized the school’s rigid stance, noting that even a revised figure of Sh25,000 remained unreasonably high.
“This court is guided by the need to ensure students, particularly candidates, are not punished en masse,” he said.
“Education cannot be weaponized in this manner.
The judge further directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to investigate the management of Litein High School, questioning why the institution has been repeatedly embroiled in unrest while over 6,000 other public secondary schools remain stable.
“There is need for the TSC to evaluate the school leadership to determine whether administrative failures are contributing to recurring tensions,” said Justice Sergon.
Parties involved in the suit have been directed to file their final submissions by November 21, 202
Meanwhile, parents have welcomed the court’s decision, terming it a major relief as their children prepare for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams scheduled to begin in today.
