Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has warned school heads against demanding school fees before registering candidates for the 2026 national examinations, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Speaking during the inaugural Elgeyo-Marakwet Elimu Conference held at the Lorna Kiplagat Academy in Iten on March 13, 2026, CS Ogamba said all eligible learners must be registered within the set timelines.
CS Ogamba Warns Schools Against Charging Fees for KCSE Registration
He stressed that examination and assessment fees are fully paid by the government.
“Before I conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I also address the ongoing 2026 national examination and assessment registration process. Heads of Institution are required to exercise utmost diligence and ensure that all eligible candidates under their mandate are duly registered within the relevant timelines,” Ogamba said.
“We have received reports of some Heads of Institutions requiring payment of school fees before registering candidates. This is unlawful. Examination and assessment fees are paid for by the Government.”
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Ogamba added that registration for national examinations and assessments is a right of all eligible learners and is not subject to the payment of any school fees.
The CS further directed that any school heads imposing such conditions should be reported to education officers and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) for immediate action.
“Consequently, Heads of Institution are prohibited from imposing barriers to the registration of candidates by demanding payment of fees,” he added.
Earlier, Ogamba had urged parents to monitor the registration process and confirm that their children have been registered as candidates for the national examinations.
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He stressed that this oversight is critical to ensure learners progress smoothly through the education system and eventually transition to higher education.
“I want the parents to get involved and confirm that the students who are candidates have been registered to do the examinations in 2026 so that you do not come later to say that you are not aware that your learners have not been registered,” he said.
“Please get involved so that all our learners can transition to the next grade to universities in 2027.”
KCSE registration began on February 16 and will continue until March 31, 2026, with no extension expected after the deadline.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) announced that it will not accept any amendments to the registration data after May 2026.
The 2026 KCSE will be the second-last national examination administered under the outgoing 8-4-4 education system before the country fully transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
