Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has unveiled a new Senior School fees framework as the Ministry of Education moves to clear up confusion and enforce compliance under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
In a Kenya Gazette notice dated January 12, 2026, CS Ogamba outlined the approved fees structure for all public senior schools, detailing government capitation, parental contribution, and the maximum amounts schools are allowed to charge.
The framework, issued under the Basic Education Act, applies to Day Senior Schools, Boarding Senior Schools under two cost categories, and Special Needs Schools.
“This fees structure shall take effect from 5th January 2026. Schools shall spread these fees over the three school terms at the ratio of 50:30:20.”
Free education for students in day schools
For Day Senior Schools, the government will fully cover tuition and most essential costs, providing Ksh22,244 per learner yearly, while parents will pay nothing.
The capitation includes Ksh4,144 for tuition, Ksh1,500 for activity fees, Ksh2,000 for medical and insurance, Ksh200 for SMASSE, Ksh9,400 for administration and other vote heads, and Ksh5,000 for maintenance and improvement.
For Boarding Senior Schools previously approved at a maximum of Ksh53,554, the government will provide Ksh22,244, while parents will contribute up to Ksh53,554, bringing the total to Ksh75,798 per learner annually.
Also Read: Ogamba Announces When Govt Will Gazette New Fees for Senior Schools
Under this category, parents will mainly meet the cost of boarding equipment and stores (Ksh30,385), other vote heads including administration and electricity (Ksh20,371), activity fees (Ksh798), and part of maintenance and improvement (Ksh2,000). Tuition remains fully funded by the government.
For Boarding Senior Schools previously approved at a maximum of Ksh40,535, the government capitation remains Ksh22,244, while parents will pay up to Ksh40,535, making the total annual cost Ksh62,779 per learner.
Senior School Fees Structure effective January 2026
| Category of School | Government | Parents | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Senior Schools | Ksh22,244 | Ksh0 | Ksh22,244 |
| Boarding (Max Ksh53,554 Cluster) | Ksh22,244 | Ksh53,554 | Ksh75,798 |
| Boarding (Max Ksh40,535 Cluster) | Ksh22,244 | Ksh40,535 | Ksh62,779 |
| Special Needs Senior Schools | Ksh57,974 | Ksh12,790 | Ksh70,764 |
Parents cover Ksh25,385 for boarding equipment and stores, Ksh12,900 for other vote heads, Ksh250 for activity fees, and Ksh2,000 for maintenance and improvement, with tuition again fully funded by the State.
For Special Needs Senior Schools, the government will provide the largest share at Ksh57,974 per learner, while parents will contribute Ksh12,790, bringing the total annual fees to Ksh70,764.
The capitation includes Ksh4,144 for tuition, Ksh23,220 for boarding equipment and stores, Ksh5,000 for maintenance and improvement, Ksh9,400 for other vote heads, Ksh1,500 for activity fees, Ksh2,000 for medical and insurance, Ksh12,510 top-up support, and Ksh200 for SMASSE.
Also Read: Court Suspends Hiring of Senior School Teachers in Select Counties
CS Ogamba further emphasized that no public school is allowed to charge tuition or impose extra levies beyond the approved structure, while institutions currently charging below the set ceilings were encouraged to maintain their lower rates.
“No public school shall charge tuition fees or any other extra fees or levies contrary to the fees structure stipulated hereinabove. Schools charging below the foregoing ceilings are encouraged to maintain their rates,” the notice adds.
Any future changes to the fees must be approved by the Education Cabinet Secretary and formally published in the Kenya Gazette. Gazette notice no 1555 of 2025 was, in turn, revoked.
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