Govt declines to fund Ksh69M Litein High School rebuild after student riots
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has ruled out government funding for the reconstruction of Litein High School in Kericho County, which suffered an estimated Ksh69 million in damages following a student riot.
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Speaking on Monday, October 27, 2025, during a visit to the institution, Ogamba said the government will not allocate public funds to repair damage caused by students’ indiscipline, insisting that parents must shoulder the responsibility.
“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.
The CS, however, pledged limited assistance toward the construction of a perimeter wall around the school, which borders Litein town, saying it was necessary to enhance security and prevent external interference.
The riot, which occurred in July 2025, left several dormitories and classrooms burnt, forcing hundreds of students to be temporarily relocated. Investigations into the cause of the unrest are ongoing, with some students and staff expected to record statements with authorities.
Court intervenes
Meanwhile, the High Court in Kericho has intervened in the ongoing dispute between the school and parents over reconstruction costs. The court reduced the amount each parent is required to pay from Ksh49,000 to Ksh10,000, terming the earlier directive by the school’s management as unreasonable.
Justice Joseph Sergon, who delivered the ruling, said the school’s initial demand was punitive and failed to consider the financial hardships facing many families, especially as national examinations approach.
The court also directed both parties, the school administration and the parents’ association, to file final submissions by November 21, 2025, ahead of a conclusive ruling on the matter.
Lawyers representing the parents further called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to investigate the school’s administration over alleged mismanagement and repeated incidents of student unrest.
At the same time, In the ruling, Justice Joseph Sergon ruled that candidates sitting the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) should be allowed back to school once they deposited a maximum fee of Ksh10,000 for damages.
“The court was receptive to our submissions urging it to issue interim measures allowing Litein students to be readmitted and given the opportunity to sit for their KCSE exams,” Shadrack Wambui, a lawyer representing parents revealed.
