Viral educator Teacher Cillah sat down with popular host Alex Mwakideu on his AMT TV podcast to unpack a topic that gets Kenyan parents fired up every term: school trip fees.
The conversation, filmed on a cosy podcast set complete with a brick wall backdrop and potted plants, was recorded on November 14, 2026.
It quickly picked up traction online as Teacher Cillah broke down the mathematics and reasoning behind trip contributions in a way that many found hard to argue with.
How the numbers add up
Using a straightforward example, Teacher Cillah pointed to a class of 71 pupils, each contributing KSh 2,500 for a school outing.
While the figure might seem steep at first glance, she urged parents to consider what goes into planning and executing a trip for that many children.
She noted that teachers spend the entire school day managing and supervising those children, and the contributions are what make the whole experience possible.
She argued that the amount per child, when spread across a large group, is not as excessive as many parents assume.
Teacher Cillah’s challenge to reluctant parents
The educator did not stop at the numbers. She went a step further and challenged parents who baulk at paying the KSh 2,500 contribution to try taking their child to the same destination independently and see how much they end up spending.
“Naweka ma mzazi hata ukikataa kulipu ya, 2,000 and 500 mpeleke pekee yako uniambie, kama you’ll spend that 2,000 and 500. You’ll spend more,” she said.
Alex appeared to come around to her perspective during the interview, acknowledging that as a future parent himself, he would be willing to pay that amount without complaint.
The conversation also touched on the general hustle teachers endure and why parents should consider the broader picture before pushing back on school-organised activities.
Teacher Cillah has built a loyal following online by speaking candidly about education, school life, and the often-overlooked realities of the teaching profession in Kenya.
Her appearances on platforms like AMT TV continue to spark lively conversations among parents and educators alike.
