Parklands Baptist School is facing possible legal action after parents issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of a 14.5 per cent fee increase introduced for the 2026 academic year.
The parents argue the revised charges were approved without consultation or the legal processes required under the Basic Education Act.
Through their lawyers, they have warned that failure to reverse the increase will trigger court proceedings seeking to block the new fees, secure refunds for affected families, and hold the school's Board of Management accountable for the disputed decision.
The dispute could test how far schools can adjust fees without parent approval, potentially setting an important precedent for transparency, accountability and education governance across Kenya.
Parents Challenge Fee Increase, Threaten Court Action
In a demand letter issued on July 16, the parents' legal team accused the school's Board of Management of unilaterally approving the fee increment without involving parents or providing adequate justification.
The lawyers warned that unless the decision is withdrawn within seven days, they will move to court to stop implementation of the revised fees, compel refunds, and seek damages against the school and its officials.
According to the parents, annual fees rose by an average of 14.5 per cent across all classes, with kindergarten fees increasing from Ksh152,500 to Ksh177,500, while Grade 9 fees rose from Ksh191,500 to Ksh217,000.
They also questioned whether the board was legally constituted when it approved the revised fee structure, arguing that this could invalidate the decision.
Parents Seek Refunds and Fresh Consultations
The parents argue that the fee review violates provisions of the Basic Education Act requiring consultation on financial matters affecting learners, as well as consumer protection and constitutional principles on fair administrative action.
Besides revoking the increase, they want the school to restore the 2025 fee structure, refund all additional fees already collected and convene fresh consultations involving the Board of Management, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the wider parent community.
They have also demanded assurances that no learner or parent will suffer retaliation or disruption for opposing the disputed charges.
The dispute comes amid growing public scrutiny of school fee increases and follows the recent controversy at Alliance Girls' High School, where authorities took action over an unauthorised fee increment.
