New School Fees Structure for Senior Schools

The Ministry of Education has gazetted a new fee structure for public senior schools under both the Competency-Based Education and 8-4-4 systems, detailing cost-sharing between parents and the government.

As reported by the Star, in a notice dated February 6, 2026, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the fees, effective January 5, 2026, will be paid across three terms in a 50:30:20 ratio.

Day senior schools will continue to charge zero tuition, while boarding school fees remain capped based on previously approved limits. For schools approved at a maximum of Ksh53,554, the government will contribute Ksh22,244 covering teaching and learning materials, exams, activities, medical cover, SMASSE, administration and maintenance.

Parents will pay Ksh53,554 for boarding equipment, other vote heads and activities, bringing the total to Ksh75,798.

For schools capped at Ksh40,535, the government contribution remains Ksh22,244, while parents pay Ksh40,535, resulting in a total of Ksh62,779.

Special needs schools will have a ceiling of Ksh70,764, with the government contributing Ksh57,974 and parents Ksh12,790.

Ogamba warned that no public school should levy fees outside the approved structure without gazettement.