The Ministry of Education has announced that all senior secondary schools in Kenya will be charging uniform annual fees starting January 2026.
According to new guidelines on the implementation of senior school, every institution will adopt a standardized fee structure to promote fairness and transparency in school financing.
Under the new directive, students in boarding senior schools will pay Ksh 53,554 per year, a rate maintained from Gazette Notice No. 1555 of March 10, 2015.
The Ministry emphasized that all schools must strictly adhere to the approved fee guidelines and seek written authorization from the Cabinet Secretary through the County Education Board (CEB before imposing any extra levies.
Each school will be required to issue a comprehensive fee structure at the start of every academic year, clearly outlining costs under specific vote heads such as tuition, boarding, meals, and activity fees.
Parents are to be informed well in advance of all fee deadlines, and schools must provide official receipts for every payment, indicating the amount, date, and purpose.
Schools are encouraged to offer flexible installment plans where necessary, provided that the arrangement is documented and signed by both parties to prevent disputes.
The Boards of Management (BoMs) will be responsible for ensuring that collected funds are used prudently and that proper financial accountability is maintained.
Each school must present detailed annual financial reports to both the Parents’ Association (PA) and the BoM, outlining expenditure and any proposed changes to fees or development levies.
Before introducing any fee increment or special project requiring parental contribution, schools must consult parents and obtain formal approval from the ministry.
Besides, the guidelines urge schools to establish mechanisms to support needy students through bursaries, scholarships, or partnerships with donors.
The Ministry reiterated that capitation funds should be used to subsidize tuition and other operational costs in line with government policy.
Schools have been reminded that no student should be sent home for non-payment of boarding fees, in accordance with the Basic Education Act (2013).