Education Ministry Dismisses Claims of Secondary School Fee Increase

The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that school fees for public secondary schools have been increased, saying the reports are false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Ministry denied allegations that fees for the 2026 academic year had been raised by Sh9,374.

The clarification follows growing concern among parents after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claimed that the government was planning to introduce additional charges for students without informing the public.

The Ministry said students in public day secondary schools and C4 day senior schools will continue to pay no fees under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme.

According to the Ministry, the government currently provides Sh22,244 per learner each year to cover tuition-related costs, meaning parents are not required to make any payments.

“The Ministry has not issued any instructions to County Directors of Education or school principals to increase school fees,” the statement said.

The Ministry explained that the confusion arose from Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015, which outlined an earlier cost-sharing arrangement where parents were expected to contribute Sh9,374 while the government provided Sh12,870 per student.

However, the Ministry said later circulars clarified that the government would fully cover tuition costs, effectively removing any financial burden on parents.

For boarding schools, the Ministry said fees remain unchanged. Schools in major urban areas continue to charge up to Sh53,554, while other boarding schools charge Sh40,535. Special Needs schools charge Sh12,790.