In a landmark move to ease the financial burden on Kenyan parents and standardize education costs nationwide, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has gazetted a revised fee structure for public senior secondary schools, effective from January 5, 2026.
The announcement, detailed in a Gazette Notice dated February 6, 2026, revokes the outdated 2015 framework and aligns with the Basic Education Act, 2013. It covers learners under both the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the 8-4-4 system, aiming to promote transparency, eliminate arbitrary levies, and protect households from exploitative charges.
Day Schools Go Fully Free
Parents of students in public day senior schools can breathe easy: no fees required. The government fully funds the Sh22,244 annual cost per student, including Sh4,144 for tuition, Sh1,500 for activities, Sh2,000 for medical and insurance, Sh200 for SMASSE, Sh9,400 for administration, learning and teaching materials, extracurriculars, and physical education, plus Sh5,000 for maintenance and improvement. This effectively makes senior secondary education tuition-free at the day level, expanding access for millions.
Boarding Schools: Capped Contributions with Government Support
Boarding remains partially subsidized, with the government contributing Sh22,244 per student (covering tuition and key academic costs). Parents’ contributions are strictly capped based on school categories:
– Higher-category boarding schools (previously max Sh53,554): Parents pay up to Sh53,554, total cost Sh75,798.
– Lower-category boarding schools (previously max Sh40,535): Parents pay up to Sh40,535, total cost Sh62,779.
Parents are exempt from paying for teaching/learning materials, medical/insurance, and SMASSE. Boarding fees cover essentials like equipment, stores, maintenance, administration, and activities. Schools previously charging below these ceilings are urged to maintain lower rates.
Boost for Special Needs Education
Learners in special needs senior schools benefit from enhanced support. The total annual cost is Sh70,764 per student, with the government contributing a substantial Sh57,974. Parents pay only Sh12,790, limited to boarding equipment/stores (Sh10,790) and maintenance/improvement (Sh2,000). This covers specialized resources, top-up allowances, and tailored materials for students with disabilities.
CS Ogamba issued a stern warning: “No public school shall charge tuition fees or any other extra fees or levies contrary to the fee structure stipulated hereinabove.” Violations will face consequences, and any future changes require Cabinet Secretary approval and gazettement.
Fees must be spread across the three terms in a 50:30:20 ratio, providing predictable budgeting for families.
This update addresses long-standing concerns over hidden charges and inflation-driven hikes, revoking Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015. It reinforces the government’s commitment to equitable, quality education under CBC while cushioning parents amid economic pressures.
Parents and school administrators are advised to review the full Gazette Notice for compliance. The move is hailed as a win for accessibility, especially for day scholars and vulnerable groups.
