The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that school fees for public secondary schools will be increased in 2026, assuring parents that no additional charges have been introduced.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Ministry termed reports of a KSh 9,374 fee increment as false and misleading. The clarification followed concerns raised by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who alleged that the government planned to impose extra charges on learners without public consultation.
The Ministry reaffirmed that students in public day secondary schools and C4 day senior schools will continue to enjoy zero fees under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme. It noted that the government currently provides KSh 22,244 per learner annually to cater for tuition-related costs, with no financial obligation placed on parents.
“The Ministry has not issued any directive to County Directors of Education or school principals to increase fees,” the statement said.
Officials explained that the confusion arose from Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015, which initially proposed a cost-sharing framework requiring parents to contribute KSh 9,374. However, subsequent Ministry circulars operationalised the policy by fully subsidising tuition, effectively removing parental contributions.
For boarding schools, the Ministry said fees remain unchanged. Institutions in major urban centres charge up to KSh 53,554, other boarding schools KSh 40,535, while Special Needs Schools charge KSh 12,790.
Earlier, Nyoro had warned against what he described as attempts to overburden parents, saying basic education must be protected.