The Ministry of Education has announced a standardized annual fee of KSh 53,554 for all senior secondary boarding schools, a landmark policy shift that dismantles the long-standing categorization of schools by performance and infrastructure. The new guidelines, set to take effect in January 2026, will eliminate the varied fee structures that previously distinguished national, extra-county, county, and sub-county schools.

According to a guideline issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, this move aims to create a more equitable system and standardize operations as the country transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba's ministry stated the policy is in line with the "Guidelines on the implementation of senior schools." The fee is based on Gazette Notice No. 1555 from March 10, 2015, which had previously set the fee ceiling for boarding schools.

Financial Implications for Parents

This policy change presents a mixed financial outcome for Kenyan households. Parents of students in the former national and top extra-county schools may see a reduction in their financial obligations, as some of these institutions charged fees significantly higher than the new standardized rate. Conversely, parents with children who would have attended county or sub-county boarding schools are now facing a substantial increase in costs, potentially straining family budgets amidst a high cost of living.

The government maintains that its capitation grant of KSh 22,244 per student will continue, which is intended to cover tuition and other educational costs. The KSh 53,554 fee is designated for boarding-related expenses, including meals and accommodation. However, school heads have previously argued that the capitation amount is insufficient to run schools effectively, citing rising food prices and operational costs.

To enforce the new structure, the Ministry has mandated that any school wishing to charge additional levies must obtain written approval from the Cabinet Secretary through their County Education Board. Furthermore, schools are prohibited from denying students access to education due to non-payment of boarding fees, as stipulated in the Basic Education Act of 2013.

Implementation and New Structure

The transition to a uniform system will see all secondary schools re-registered and classified simply as public or private, and then as day, boarding, or hybrid institutions. The former clusters—Cluster 1 (national), Cluster 2 (extra-county), Cluster 3 (county), and Cluster 4 (day schools)—will be phased out.

Under the new senior school framework (Grades 10, 11, and 12), students will undertake seven subjects. Four of these will be core subjects: English, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language, Mathematics (either core or essential), and a new component called Community Service Learning. The remaining three subjects will be determined by the learner's chosen pathway: Arts and Sports Sciences; Social Sciences; or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok had earlier indicated on Monday, November 3, 2025, that fees might see slight variations based on the chosen learning pathway to accommodate different resource requirements. However, the latest comprehensive guidelines establish a single figure for all boarding schools, suggesting a more streamlined approach.

Accountability and Transparency Measures

The Ministry's guidelines also introduce stricter financial management protocols for schools. Boards of Management (BoMs) will be responsible for the prudent use of all collected fees and must present annual financial reports to the Parents' Association (PA). Schools are required to issue official fee structures at the beginning of the academic year, clearly itemizing vote heads for tuition, boarding, meals, and activities.

All payments must be made through official channels and be accompanied by a receipt. To ease the burden on parents, schools may offer instalment-based payment plans, provided a clear agreement is signed by both parties. The National Parents Association (NPA) has previously welcomed measures that enhance transparency, such as the proposed payment of fees through the e-Citizen platform, to curb the imposition of illegal levies.

This policy represents one of the most significant restructurings of secondary education financing in Kenya's history. Its success will depend on the government's ability to enforce the new fee caps, ensure timely disbursement of adequate capitation funds, and support schools in managing their budgets within the new framework. For Kenyan families, the long-term impact on access to and quality of education remains a critical area to watch.