Ministry of Education Dismisses Reports of School Fees Increase for Public Secondary and Senior Schools
The Ministry of Education has firmly rejected circulating claims that school fees for public secondary and senior schools have been increased, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba addressed growing concerns among parents, particularly reports suggesting an additional Sh9,374 per learner was being demanded.
CS Ogamba emphasized that there has been no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools. He explained that the figure of Sh9,374 has been widely misunderstood and stems from Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015.
Under the original framework, parents were expected to contribute Sh9,374 per learner in day secondary schools, while the government subsidized Sh12,870 per learner annually. However, with the full rollout of the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program, the government significantly increased its subsidy to Sh22,244 per learner per year and eliminated any tuition contribution from parents.
Subsequent ministry circulars formalized this change, confirming that tuition in all public secondary schools — for both day scholars and boarders — is fully covered by the government. The FDSE policy applies universally across public secondary institutions.
“Boarding learners only pay approved boarding fees and do not pay tuition fees,” the statement clarified.
Govt publishes boarding fee caps, day school remains fully funded
On boarding fees, the ministry confirmed that maximum charges remain unchanged. The ceiling was set at Sh53,554 for boarding schools in major urban centres, Sh40,535 for other boarding schools, and Sh12,790 for Special Needs Schools.
These amounts, established through the 2015 Gazette Notice and reinforced by the FDSE Guidelines of November 26, 2019, have not been altered, and no school is permitted to exceed them.
Addressing the new cluster system for senior schools (C1–C4), the ministry described the transition as “purely structural” and confirmed it introduces no new fees. Learners in public day secondary schools and C4 day senior schools are required to pay zero fees, as stated in the official joining instructions.
The ministry further assured the public that it has issued no directive to County Directors of Education or school principals to raise fees. Any institution imposing unauthorized levies will face appropriate administrative and disciplinary action.
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Ministry of Education Dismisses Reports of School Fees Increase for Public Secondary and Senior Schools