The Ministry of Education released an updated standardised senior school fee structure, expected to take effect from January 2026, outlining annual fees for C1 to C4 under the revised classification system.
Under Cluster Category 1, which replaces the former National Schools, the annual fee per student is set at KSh 53,554. Cluster Category 2, formerly Extra-County Schools, will charge KSh 45,054 per student annually. Cluster Category 3, which replaces County Schools, has an annual fee of KSh 40,035.
Cluster Category 4 covers Sub-County Day Schools and falls under the Free Day Secondary Education programme, which is government subsidised.
The ministry noted that the figures represent standardised annual fees per cluster, with government subsidies applied in line with existing education financing policies.
“Fees listed are for boarding students, though C1, C2, and C3 apply; C4 schools remain day institutions with guidelines released in late 2025 for the 2026 academic year,” read the ministry’s statement in part.
Details of Zero Fee C4 Schools
C4 schools are public sub-county day senior schools established under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to expand access to senior school education at the local level.
C4 schools are classified as Cluster Category 4 institutions.
They primarily serve learners within the sub-county and immediate community catchment areas.
Unlike national, extra-county, or county schools, C4 schools do not offer boarding facilities.
Fees and Funding
C4 schools operate under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme.
- Boarding fees: Not applicable (day schools only).
- Tuition and core costs: Covered through government capitation.
- Parent costs: Limited to personal items and approved school-based charges, where applicable.
School Type
- Day schools only
- No boarding subsidies or dormitory facilities
- Attendance is based on daily commuting
Also Read: List of Requirements Needed for January 2026 Grade 10 Admission
Curriculum and Subject Pathways
C4 schools offer CBC-aligned senior school pathways, with a minimum of two pathways available:
- Mandatory STEM pathway
- One additional pathway, such as Arts or Social Sciences
Core learning areas for all students include:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Schools may offer additional subjects depending on staffing, infrastructure, and approval.
Admission and Placement
Cluster 4 placement is managed through sub-county quotas and school capacity limits.
Priority is given to learners from the local area to reduce travel distance and costs.
Admission follows Ministry of Education guidelines under the CBC transition framework.
C4 schools in Nairobi County
Nairobi County hosts numerous C4 (Cluster 4) sub-county day senior secondary schools under the 2026 CBC system, primarily mixed day schools with zero parent fees for core costs.
Also Read: From Free to Ksh53,554: How Much Grade 10s Will Pay Under C1-C4 Senior School System
They Include;
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Mukarara Mixed Secondary School (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Mutuini Girls Secondary School (Public, Day, Girls)
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Mwiki Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Our Lady of Fatima Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Ruaraka High School (Public, Day, Mixed)
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TJ Kajwang’ (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Kibera Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Mbagathi Road Secondary (Public, Day, Girls)
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Olympic Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Raila Educational Centre (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Woodley Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Kongoni Mixed Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Langata Barracks Mixed Day Secondary School (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Makongeni High (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Nairobi South Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Ndururuno Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Dandora Girls (Public, Day, Girls)
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Dandora Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Gituamba Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Highway Manyatta (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Jehova Jire (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Mihango Secondary (Public, Day, Mixed)
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George’s Athi (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Ushirika (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Kabete Vetlab (Public, Day, Mixed)
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Dagoretti Mixed (Public, Day, Mixed)
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