The Ministry of Education has assured parents and school administrators that no new fees have been introduced for public secondary and senior schools.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also dismissed circulating claims of increased charges, which her termed misinformation.
Ogamba said the government fully funds tuition for learners under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme, with parents required to meet only approved boarding costs where applicable.
Backing his position, the CS warned institutions against introducing unauthorised levies.
“Any school charging unauthorised fees will be doing so without approval and will face appropriate administrative and disciplinary action,” he said.
Ogamba further clarified that FDSE applies across the board — including for both boarding students and day scholars — and that parents of day scholars should not pay any fees at all.
“Learners in public day secondary schools and C4 day senior schools pay zero fees, as clearly reflected in the official joining instructions currently being accessed by parents,” he said.
The Ministry also explained that the recent restructuring of school categories from the former National, Extra-County, County and Sub-County system into the new C1–C4 cluster model does not alter the existing financial framework.
“The transition… is purely structural and does not introduce any new fees.”
What are school fees for senior schools?
The government maintained that boarding fee ceilings remain unchanged, with urban boarding schools capped at KSh 53,554, other boarding institutions at KSh 40,535, and Special Needs Schools at KSh 12,790.
Parents and guardians were urged to report any school that violates the approved fee structure, as the Ministry vowed swift action to protect learners and families ahead of the 2026 academic year.
