The Ministry of Education is working on a revised and affordable school fees structure for Senior Schools ahead of the 2026 transition, when Grade 9 learners move to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Director of Secondary Education William Sugut confirmed that a dedicated team comprising school principals and ministry officials is developing the new fees framework.
According to Sugut, the fee structure will reflect the cost of implementing the three senior school pathways — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; and Arts and Sports.
“There is a team working on the fee structure with principals. Shortly, we will be communicating the new figures. But definitely, it will be something affordable to ensure all children can access education,” said Dr. Sugut.
He added that the final figures — which will vary based on school clusters and the chosen pathway — will be released once the review is complete.
This comes as Kenya prepares for the first-ever senior school transition in 2026, a milestone that will see Grade 9 learners progress to Grade 10
Ministry of Education to Unveil Senior School Fees
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at the senior school level (Grades 10–12) has structured pathways, subjects, and school types designed to align learning with students’ talents and future career goals.
The Ministry of Education will roll out the school fees directives based on the learning pathways a student will choose.
To transition to senior school, Grade 9 learners must first sit for the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).
The assessment, administered by KNEC, will contribute 60 percent of the final mark, with school-based assessments accounting for 40 percent.
Placement in senior schools will depend on performance and alignment with career pathways.
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Academic Pathways
At senior school, learners will take seven subjects: four core subjects—English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), Community Service Learning, and Physical Education—and three additional subjects from their chosen pathway.
The three CBC pathways are:
- Arts and Sports Science: Tracks in Performing Arts, Sports, and Visual Arts.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Tracks in Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technology & Engineering, and Career & Technical Studies (CTS).
- Social Sciences: Tracks in Humanities & Business Studies, and Languages & Literature
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Senior School Categories Under CBC
Senior schools will be either triple pathway institutions, offering all three routes, or double pathway schools, offering two combinations, such as STEM with Arts and Sports (STEAMS) or STEM with Social Sciences (STEMS).
According to the Ministry of Education, accommodation models include day schools (commuting learners) and hybrid schools (some boarding, some commuting).
Schools may be single-sex or mixed, and there are specialized institutions for learners with special needs, including vocational senior schools.
Currently, senior schools still fall under the traditional four-tier categorization:
- C1 – National
- C2 – Extra County
- C3 – County
- C4 – Sub-County
Beyond senior school, learners can progress to tertiary institutions to pursue arts, sports science, humanities, STEM, technical studies, or vocational training, preparing them for a future world of work.
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