Education

Breaking: Kenya Eliminates Day School Fees as New Senior School Fee Structure Takes Effect

Ministry of Education publishes standardized fees to eliminate confusion and unauthorized levies in public secondary schools

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan Ministry of Education has unveiled a comprehensive senior school fee structure designed to bring clarity to the education financing system and prevent unauthorized charges across public secondary institutions.

Government Assumes Full Costs for Day Schools

Under the new regulations issued pursuant to the Basic Education Act, students attending day senior schools will benefit from complete government financing, with no parental contributions required.

The government has allocated KSh 22,244 per student annually to cover all approved expenses at day institutions. This comprehensive package includes KSh 4,144 for instructional services, KSh 1,500 for extracurricular activities, and KSh 2,000 for health services and insurance coverage.

Additional allocations include KSh 200 for the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) program, KSh 9,400 for administrative operations, and KSh 5,000 designated for facility maintenance and infrastructure development.

Boarding Schools Introduce Cost-Sharing Model

Secondary boarding institutions will operate under a partnership financing model where families contribute toward residential expenses while the government maintains funding for academic operations.

For premium boarding facilities previously authorized to collect up to KSh 53,554, the revised annual fee structure totals KSh 75,798. The government will provide KSh 22,244, with parents responsible for the balance of KSh 53,554.

Mid-tier boarding schools, formerly capped at KSh 40,535, will now operate under an annual fee of KSh 62,779, maintaining the same government contribution of KSh 22,244 while parents cover KSh 40,535.

Parental contributions in boarding institutions specifically address residential costs, including KSh 25,385 for dormitory equipment and supplies, KSh 12,900 for miscellaneous operational expenses, KSh 250 for activities, and KSh 2,000 for maintenance projects. Instructional costs remain fully government-funded.

Enhanced Support for Special Needs Education

The Ministry has established a dedicated fee framework for senior schools serving students with disabilities, reflecting the specialized nature of these educational programs.

The total annual cost per special needs student reaches KSh 70,764, with the government covering KSh 57,974—approximately 82% of total expenses—while families contribute KSh 12,790 primarily for boarding equipment and facility upkeep.

The government allocation encompasses KSh 4,144 for instruction, KSh 23,220 for specialized boarding equipment, KSh 5,000 for maintenance, KSh 9,400 for operations, KSh 1,500 for activities, KSh 2,000 for medical services, KSh 12,510 in supplementary support, and KSh 200 for SMASSE programs.

Implementation Timeline and Payment Structure

According to CS Ogamba’s directive, the new fee structure became effective January 5, 2026, with schools required to distribute payments across three academic terms using a 50:30:20 ratio.

The Cabinet Secretary issued stern warnings to public educational institutions against collecting tuition fees or imposing unauthorized levies beyond the approved framework, emphasizing the government’s commitment to standardization and transparency.

This regulatory overhaul represents a significant step toward eliminating the confusion that has previously characterized school fee payments in Kenya’s public secondary education sector, providing families with clear expectations for educational costs.