The Ministry of Education (MoE) has reaffirmed its firm stance against illegal holiday tuition, instructing all Regional Directors of Education nationwide to enforce a crackdown on the practice.
In a strongly worded memorandum dated July 30, 2025 Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, emphasised that holiday tuition remains banned in both public and private basic education institutions.
This directive comes in response to growing concerns over the continued violation of the policy, with some schools reportedly charging parents for unauthorised classes during school breaks. The Ministry cites the Basic Education Act, 2012 (Section 37) as the legal basis for the prohibition, stating that no formal teaching should occur during the official holidays of April, August, and December, except under exceptional remedial conditions.
“The Ministry of Education reiterates its firm position on the ban on holiday tuition in all public and private basic education institutions across the country,” Prof. Bitok stated.
The Ministry clarified that while limited remedial instruction may be allowed, it must meet stringent conditions: it should be offered only to specific learners in need, supervised by Ministry Quality Assurance Officers, and must not be commercialised or made compulsory.
“It must target specific learners needing academic support,” reads the circular.
“It must not be commercialised or mandated for all students.”
Prof. Bitok urged Regional Directors to act decisively by working with County Directors to monitor compliance, investigate violations, and take appropriate action, including referring repeat offenders for prosecution.
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“Refer serious or repeat offenders to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal action,” the memo directed.
Penalties for flouting the directive are severe and include a fine of up to KSh 100,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. These measures are aimed at deterring schools from exploiting learners and their families, especially during periods meant for rest and mental rejuvenation.
The Ministry also acknowledged recent reports of some schools operating illegal tuition and subjecting parents to financial strain.
It raised concern over what it stated as a distortion of child-centred education, stressing that rest and social development are essential for learner well-being.
“There is rising public concern over academic pressure, mental stress, and financial exploitation of parents during the holiday periods,” the circular warned.
As part of enforcement, Regional Directors have been ordered to issue formal circulars to County Directors, oversee regional monitoring mechanisms, and submit monthly compliance reports to the Ministry headquarters.
Prof Bitok concluded by urging education leaders to work together in protecting learners’ rights and restoring public trust in Kenya’s education system.
By Joseph Mambili
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