No School Fees Increase in 2026: Ministry of Education Clarifies Day & Boarding School Charges (2026 Update)
The Ministry of Education has confirmed there is no increase in public secondary and senior school fees in Kenya. Learn what parents should pay, who pays zero fees, boarding fee limits, and official government positions explained clearly.
Concerns about rising school fees have caused anxiety among parents across Kenya, especially following claims that public secondary and senior school fees had increased by thousands of shillings. These claims triggered widespread confusion, misinformation, and uncertainty for families preparing for the new school year.
To address this, the Ministry of Education has issued a firm and detailed clarification, putting the matter to rest. The government has not increased school fees for public secondary or senior schools, and parents of day scholars are not required to pay tuition fees.
This article breaks down the official position in clear, simple terms—so parents, guardians, and school administrators fully understand what applies, what does not, and what is legally allowed.
No Increase in Public Secondary School Fees
The Ministry of Education has made it clear that claims of increased school fees are false and misleading. There has been no new fee increment introduced for public secondary schools or senior schools.
Reports suggesting that parents must now pay an additional amount for tuition are incorrect. The government maintains its commitment to protecting families from extra financial burden through continued public education funding.
How the Free Day Secondary Education Policy Works
Under the government’s education framework, public secondary education for day scholars remains fully supported by the state.
What the Government Covers
Tuition costs for all public day secondary school learners
Tuition costs for senior school day learners
Annual capitation paid directly to schools
The government provides full tuition support, meaning parents are not required to contribute toward learning costs for day scholars.
Who Pays Zero School Fees in Kenya?
This is one of the most important clarifications for parents.
Learners Who Pay ZERO Tuition Fees
Public day secondary school students
Senior school day learners
For these learners, tuition fees are fully covered by the government, and parents should not be asked to pay any tuition-related charges.
If a public day school demands tuition fees, parents have the right to question and report such charges.
Boarding Schools: What Parents Are Allowed to Pay
While tuition remains free, boarding students are required to pay approved boarding fees only. These fees cater strictly for accommodation, meals, and boarding-related services—not tuition.
Maximum Boarding Fees Allowed
Major urban boarding schools: capped at a higher limit
Other boarding schools: capped at a lower limit
Special needs schools: significantly subsidized boarding charges
No public boarding school is permitted to charge beyond the approved fee ceilings.
Special Needs Learners Remain Protected
Learners in special needs schools continue to benefit from heavily subsidized boarding costs. These schools operate under strict guidelines designed to ensure inclusivity, affordability, and access to education for vulnerable learners.
Any deviation from approved charges is not allowed under the current framework.
No New Charges Have Been Introduced
A key concern among parents has been the fear of hidden or newly introduced charges. The Ministry has clearly stated that:
No new charges have been added
No existing charges have been increased
Approved fee structures remain unchanged
All operational guidelines currently in use are consistent with long-standing government policy.
What Parents Should Look Out For
Parents are encouraged to:
Refer to official joining instructions
Confirm whether a school is day or boarding
Question any unexplained charges
Avoid paying fees that are not officially approved
Transparency remains a core requirement in public education financing.
Why This Clarification Matters
Education is a cornerstone of Kenya’s development, and affordability is central to equal access. False information about fee increases can discourage school attendance, burden families financially, and undermine trust.
This clarification reassures parents that:
Public education remains protected
Government funding is still in place
Day scholars are not required to pay tuition fees
Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Optimized FAQ)
Has the government increased school fees in Kenya?
No. There has been no increase in public secondary or senior school fees.
Do parents of day scholars pay school fees?
No. Day scholars in public secondary and senior schools pay zero tuition fees.
Who pays boarding fees?
Only boarding students pay approved boarding charges, not tuition.
Can schools increase boarding fees on their own?
No. Schools must adhere strictly to government-approved fee limits.
What should parents do if asked to pay extra fees?
Parents should seek clarification and report unauthorized charges through proper channels.
The government’s position is clear: there is no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools in Kenya. Tuition remains fully funded for day scholars, and boarding fees are strictly regulated.
Parents can proceed with confidence, knowing that education costs remain controlled and protected under existing policy.
