The Ministry of Education has released a new senior school fees structure, a move meant to clear confusion and stop public schools from charging extra levies.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, February 6, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the new fees apply to all public senior schools under both the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system and the 8-4-4 system.
The CS said the new structure clearly shows what the government will pay for and what parents are expected to cover, especially for boarding and special needs schools.
According to the notice, the fees apply to day senior schools, boarding senior schools under two different cost categories, and special needs schools. The structure was issued under the Basic Education Act.
Day Senior School Fees Structure
For day senior schools, parents will not be required to pay any fees.
The government will fully cater for all approved costs, with an allocation of Ksh22,244 per learner. This covers tuition, activity fees, medical and insurance, administration, maintenance and other school costs.
Under this arrangement, parents with children in public day senior schools will not be charged any levies.
Boarding Senior School Fees Structure
For boarding senior schools, parents will continue to pay for boarding-related costs, while the government meets tuition and other learning expenses.
Schools that were previously allowed to charge up to Ksh53,554 will now have a total annual fee of Ksh75,798. The government will contribute Ksh22,244, while parents will pay Ksh53,554.
For schools that were capped at Ksh40,535, the total annual fee has been set at Ksh62,779, with the government paying Ksh22,244 and parents contributing Ksh40,535.
Parents’ contribution will mainly go towards boarding equipment and stores, maintenance, activity fees and other vote heads. Tuition costs will be fully covered by the government.
Special Needs Senior School Fees Structure
The Ministry also released a separate fees structure for senior schools serving learners with special needs.
The total annual cost per learner has been set at Ksh70,764. Out of this amount, the government will pay Ksh57,974, while parents will contribute Ksh12,790, mainly for boarding equipment and maintenance.
CS Ogamba said the new fees will take effect from January 5, 2026, and schools will be required to spread the charges across the three school terms in the ratio of 50:30:20.
He also warned public schools against charging tuition fees or introducing any extra levies outside the approved Senior School Fees Structure.
The Ministry said the move is aimed at easing the burden on parents and ensuring fairness and transparency in the management of public senior schools.
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