NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Education has dismissed reports that school fees for public secondary schools have been increased, terming the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Ministry categorically denied allegations that fees had been raised by KSh 9,374 for the 2026 academic year.
The Ministry clarified that learners in public day secondary schools and C4 day senior schools continue to pay zero fees under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme.
The government provides KSh 22,244 per learner annually as capitation to cover tuition-related expenses, with no financial obligation on parents.
“The Ministry has not issued any directive to County Directors of Education or school principals to increase fees,” the statement read.
Source of Confusion
The rumours stemmed from Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015, which initially outlined a cost-sharing model where parents contributed KSh 9,374 while the government provided KSh 12,870 per learner. However, subsequent Ministry circulars confirmed that the government would fully subsidise tuition fees, removing any parental obligation.
Boarding School Fees Unchanged
For boarding learners, the Ministry maintained that fees remain unchanged:
- KSh 53,554 for schools in major urban centres.
- KSh 40,535 for other boarding schools.
- KSh 12,790 for Special Needs Schools.
Political Claims and Ministry Response
The clarification followed remarks by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who alleged that principals in his constituency had received directives to increase fees.
“We are not going to allow basic education to be decimated and annihilated by the government that is having an appetite for money and overburdening Kenyan parents,” Nyoro warned.
The Ministry assured parents that any school charging unauthorised fees would face administrative and disciplinary action.
It further explained that the transition from the National, Extra-County, County, and Sub-County classification to Clusters C1–C4 is purely structural and introduces no new charges.
Parents have been urged to report any instances of unauthorised levies for prompt intervention.
