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MoE to introduce pathway-based fees for senior schools

Editor
MoE to introduce pathway-based fees for senior schools
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has made major reshuffles in its head of directorate in a bid to boost service delivery. Education News has learnt that these changes have been brought about by the recent automatic promotions of MoE staff by one job group higher. The changes include Dr. William Sugut, a former Eastern Regional Director of Education, who had been deployed to Jogoo house has now taken over as the Director of Secondary Education; replacing Paul Kibet who has served in the docket for several years. Kibet is understood to have landed a job at USAID. After Sugut was moved from Eastern, he has been the Director in charge of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and has been commended for his prompt disbursement of JSS funds. Hassan Nduale, who has been in charge of Field Service and Co-Curricular Activities now goes to the Directorate of JSS to replace Sugut. On the other hand, Nelson Sifuna who has been the Nyanza Regional Director of Education takes over from Nduale; while Lawrence Karuntimi who was the Deputy Director Secondary Education has been deployed to Nyanza to take the place of Sifuna. At the Teacher Education directorate, Yusuf Karayu takes over as the new Director, replacing Dr. Salome Maina; who has reportedly been deployed to the Director General’s office. Julius Kimando who has been the Deputy Director at the ECDE Directorate now moves to Nakuru as the new Deputy Regional Director of Education, Rift Valley. Samuel Boto on the other hand who was the Deputy Director for Teacher Education Directorate now moves to Eastern as the Deputy Regional Director of Education. Bartholomew Lumbasi has been appointed as the new Director for Policy Directorate, replacing Ann Kashoya who has been acting on the position. Kashoya now proceeds to the Primary Education Directorate as the Deputy Director. Dorothy Ogega who was the Deputy Director for Primary Education now moves to Special Needs Directorate as the Deputy Director. Hellen Arisi, who has been Deputy Director at the Field Services, goes to JSS directorate in the similar capacity. She will be handling Education in Emergencies docket.
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As Kenya prepares for the first ever senior school transition in 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is developing a new, pathway-based fee structure that will vary by school cluster and the course of study chosen by learners.

The move marks a major shift from the traditional categorisation of secondary schools; National, Extra-County, County, and Sub-county, which for years determined how much parents paid in school fees. Under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), senior schools will instead be grouped into four clusters: C1, C2, C3 and C4, based on their capacity and facilities.

Director of Secondary Education William Sugut said a team of education officials and school principals is currently reviewing the new structure to ensure it remains affordable and aligned with the different learning pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; and Arts and Sports.

“There is a team working on the fee structure with principals, and shortly we will be communicating the new figures,” said Dr Sugut. “It will be something affordable to ensure all children can access education. The structure will reflect the chosen pathway and the school’s capacity.”

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Unlike in the 8-4-4 system, where National schools charged the highest fees followed by Extra-County and County schools, the CBC model aims to match fees with the cost of implementing specific pathways. C1 schools, which will offer all three pathways, are expected to have slightly higher operational costs due to the infrastructure and resources required for specialised subjects, particularly in STEM and Arts disciplines. C2 to C4 schools will offer limited pathways depending on their capacity, with fees adjusted accordingly.

The ministry says the revised approach seeks to address concerns about equity and access as more than one million Grade 9 learners prepare to join senior school in January 2026. The new fee structure is also expected to guide how schools plan and manage resources as they transition to the pathway-based system.

However, the proposal has already raised questions among parents and education stakeholders, with many remain anxious about whether the change could make education more expensive or lead to disparities between schools.

Dr Sugut assured parents that affordability remains central to the new model, adding that the government’s capitation for CBC materials will continue to support teachers and schools in delivering the new curriculum effectively.

The Ministry is expected to announce the new fee structure soon after the review team concludes its work.

By Mercy Kokwon

You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE  and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.

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You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.


>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories


 >>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country's education landscape


>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.

#Director of Secondary Education William Sugut#MOE#pathway-based fees#Secondary Schools#senior schools.

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