Ministry of Education Gazettes New Senior School Fees Structure
The Ministry of Education has gazetted a new senior school fees structure in a move aimed at streamlining charges, eliminating unapproved levies, and easing long-standing confusion among parents and learners across the country.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, February 6, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the revised framework applies to all public senior schools operating under both the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system and the outgoing 8-4-4 system. The new structure standardises costs and clearly outlines the financial responsibilities of the government and parents.
According to the ministry, the changes are part of broader education sector reforms intended to promote equity, transparency, and accountability in public schools, while ensuring that learners are not denied access to education due to hidden or arbitrary charges.
For day senior schools, the government will fully meet all approved costs, meaning parents will not be required to pay any school fees. The total government allocation per learner has been set at Ksh22,244 annually. This amount covers Ksh4,144 for tuition, Ksh1,500 for activity fees, and Ksh2,000 for medical care and insurance, among other approved costs.
The ministry said the move is designed to guarantee free access to senior school education for day scholars, particularly those from low-income households.
Boarding senior schools will follow a different structure, with the government continuing to fund tuition and other core components, while parents meet boarding-related expenses. Under the new framework, parents will contribute Ksh25,385 for boarding equipment and stores, Ksh12,900 for other vote heads, Ksh250 for activity fees, and Ksh2,000 for maintenance and improvement. Tuition costs for boarding students will be fully covered by the government.
The ministry also released a separate fees structure for senior schools catering to learners with special needs. The total annual cost per learner in these institutions has been set at Ksh70,764. Of this amount, the government will cover Ksh57,974, while parents will contribute Ksh12,790, mainly towards boarding equipment and maintenance.
The allocation for special needs learners includes Ksh4,144 for tuition, Ksh23,220 for boarding equipment and stores, Ksh5,000 for maintenance and improvement, Ksh9,400 for other vote heads, Ksh1,500 for activity fees, Ksh2,000 for medical and insurance, Ksh12,510 for top-up support, and Ksh200 for SMASSE.
While issuing the directive, CS Ogamba made it clear that schools must adhere strictly to the approved structure.
“This fee structure shall take effect from 5th January 2026. Schools shall spread these fees over the three school terms at the ratio of 50:30:20,” the Cabinet Secretary directed.
“Public schools are prohibited from charging tuition fees or imposing extra levies outside the approved structure,” Ogamba said.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, saying it offers much-needed clarity and is likely to reduce disputes between parents and school administrations. However, some school heads have raised concerns about whether government disbursements will be timely enough to sustain operations, especially in boarding institutions.
The ministry maintained that funds would be released in line with the school calendar to ensure smooth learning and effective implementation of the new policy.
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Ministry of Education Gazettes New Senior School Fees Structure
