Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has stated that the government will not use taxpayer’s money for the reconstruction of Litein High School in Kericho County, which sustained damages estimated at Ksh69 million following a student riot last month.
During a visit to the school on Monday, October 27, 2025, Ogamba ruled out government funding to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by student unrest. He emphasized that parents must take responsibility for restoring the institution.
“The government won’t spend taxpayers’ money to rebuild schools destroyed by indiscipline. That is a burden that falls squarely on the parents,” he said.
However, the CS pledged limited government support towards constructing a perimeter fence around the school, noting that the wall would boost security and avert external interferences from surrounding Litein town.
The September riot burned some dorms and classrooms to the ground, causing temporary displacement of hundreds of students.
Meanwhile, the Kericho High Court has come in to resolve a school management and parents’ disagreement on reconstruction costs. The court reduced the contribution per parent from Ksh49,000 to Ksh10,000, terming the initial demand as punitive.
Justice Joseph Sergon said the original amount was unreasonable and failed to consider the financial hardships facing many families, especially as candidates prepare for national exams. He also directed the school and the parents’ association to submit their final arguments by November 21, 2025, ahead of a final ruling.
Lawyers representing parents urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to investigate the school’s administration over alleged mismanagement and repeated student unrest.
Justice Sergon further ruled that KCSE candidates should be allowed to resume classes after paying a maximum of Ksh10,000 in damages.
“The court was receptive to our submissions urging it to issue interim measures allowing Litein students to be readmitted and sit for their KCSE exams,” said lawyer Shadrack Wambui, representing the parents.
