A private school in Nairobi was forced to refund Ksh70,000 to parents of an autistic child following a report that run on Citizen TV on Monday, February 15.
The parents had lamented that the school asked them to withdraw their four-year-old child just five days after he had been admitted, without a refund of the school fees or the uniform bought.
Through Osundwa and Company Advocates, the school attached a cheque worth Ksh70,000, which was reimbursement for school fees, activity fees, admission, maintenance, caution money (Ksh54,000) and school uniform (Ksh16,000).
File image of Kenyan banknotes
File Duncan Keya, the child’s father, has since acknowledged receipt of the money. He, however, demanded that the school issues an apology and a refund of the legal fees.
“My demand letter was very clear that I want an apology and the lawyer fees be borne by the school.
“My lawyer is writing back to them tomorrow (Friday) asking for my apology as well as a release letter for the child. They have only responded to parts of the demand letter,” he lamented.
The parents had indicated that it was unprofessional for the school to discontinue their child due to his condition.
“It is therefore not only unprofessional but also insincere and improper and for you to inform our client that you cannot continue to instruct their son due to his autism, barely a week after reporting to school,” reads the letter.
According to Mayo Clinic, Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.
The condition begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems functioning in society – socially, in school and at work.
Autism has no cure. However, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
The Autism Dilemma:
Parents in agony after broken promise by school authorities.
Parents with special needs children unable to secure full admission
Private school in Langata rejects a 4-year-old child living with autism
Parent told to ‘get another school’ for the child pic.twitter.com/ayHwgX1qNL— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 15, 2021
