The Ministry of Education has cautioned public day senior secondary schools against charging parents unauthorised fees, reaffirming that education in such institutions remains fully free.
In a circular dated January 2, 2026, the State Department for Basic Education clarified financing guidelines under the Competency‑Based Education (CBE) system, stressing that the government continues to meet its constitutional obligation under Article 53 by covering all tuition‑related costs.
The directive, addressed to regional, county and sub‑county education directors as well as principals of public senior schools, confirmed that government capitation stands at KSh 22,244 per learner annually. The allocation caters for tuition, activity fees, medical and insurance cover, SMASSE programmes, administrative costs, and school maintenance and improvement. Parents are therefore not required to pay any tuition fees for learners in public day schools.
“With the full implementation of Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE), the government removed all tuition‑related financial obligations on parents in public day senior schools,” the circular stated.
For boarding institutions, the ministry maintained that parents are only required to pay approved boarding fees within set ceilings. Schools in major urban centres may charge up to KSh 53,554, while those in other regions are capped at KSh 40,535. Special needs schools are limited to KSh 12,790. No school is permitted to exceed these limits or introduce additional charges.
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Citing the Basic Education Act, 2013 and the Basic Education Regulations, 2015, the ministry warned that imposing unauthorised levies is illegal. Schools are prohibited from issuing alternative fee structures not approved by the Cabinet Secretary.
The circular also reminded administrators that withholding Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) certificates over fee‑related issues is unlawful. Offenders will face disciplinary action under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Code of Regulations.
Education field officers have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the approved fee guidelines, while Boards of Management are required to adhere fully to the policy. The circular was signed on behalf of the Principal Secretary and copied to key stakeholders, including the Teachers Service Commission, school audit services and school heads associations, to ensure proper enforcement.
By Kimwele Mutuku
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