The Ministry of Education (MoE) has moved to quell public concern following widespread reports suggesting that boarding fee for public senior secondary schools have been increased
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 6 by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba, the claims, are “false and misleading.”
“Parents, learners and the general public are hereby notified that there has been no revision of boarding fees, or any other fees, payable by learners,” stated the CS.
Ogamba emphasized that the current rate of KSh 22,244 per learner annually remains intact, and any additional costs will continue to be covered by the government through capitation funds.
He reiterated that the government is committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate to provide free and equitable access to education for all Kenyan learners.
The clarification comes after reports claimed that boarding fees would increase to KSh 53,554 per student beginning January 2026.
Some of these reports also suggested that the new framework would scrap the traditional categorization of secondary schools by region or infrastructure, standardizing all boarding fees nationwide.
The Ministry insists that no official directive has been issued to alter the current fee structure.
The 2025 fee guidelines still peg government capitation at KSh 22,244 per student covering tuition, insurance, co-curricular activities, and maintenance while the boarding component, which caters to meals and accommodation, is separately regulated and must not be arbitrarily increased by schools.
Education experts have also weighed in, noting that while some schools face rising operational costs due to inflation and supply expenses, any fee adjustments must be sanctioned by the Ministry to protect parents from unauthorized levies.
The MoE’s statement serves as a warning to school administrators against imposing illegal surcharges, reminding them that all approved fees will remain in force until officially revised through a gazetted circular.
Parents are encouraged to verify any fee changes directly with the Ministry to avoid exploitation.
As the country transitions to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework, the government maintains that affordability and easy access of education remain its top priorities.