The Cabinet Secretary for Education gazetted a single fees structure for all public senior schools (CBE and 8-4-4 learners) in Gazette Notice No. 1449, effective 5 January 2026.
Fees per learner per year
| Category | Government (KSh/yr) | Parent (KSh/yr) | Total (KSh/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day senior school | 22,244 | 0 | 22,244 |
| Boarding (schools previously capped at KSh 53,554) | 22,244 | 53,554 | 75,798 |
| Boarding (schools previously capped at KSh 40,535) | 22,244 | 40,535 | 62,779 |
| Special needs schools | 57,974 | 12,790 | 70,764 |
Vote heads (boarding, KSh 53,554 cap)
| Vote head | Government | Parent | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching, learning materials and exams | 4,144 | 0 | 4,144 |
| Boarding equipment and stores | 0 | 30,385 | 30,385 |
| Maintenance and improvement | 5,000 | 2,000 | 7,000 |
| Other vote heads (LT&T, Adm., EWC, P.E.) | 9,400 | 20,371 | 29,771 |
| Activity fees | 1,500 | 798 | 2,298 |
| Medical and insurance | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| SMASSE | 200 | 0 | 200 |
| Total | 22,244 | 53,554 | 75,798 |
Rules schools must follow
- Fees are spread over the three terms in the ratio 50:30:20.
- No public school may charge tuition or extra levies outside this structure.
- Schools already charging below the ceilings are encouraged to keep their rates.
- Any future change must be approved by the Cabinet Secretary and gazetted.
Which cap applies to my child’s school?
The notice groups boarding schools by the maximum they were previously approved to charge (KSh 53,554 or KSh 40,535); it does not list schools by name. Ask the school which ceiling it was approved for and request its fee structure on school letterhead.
Frequently asked questions
How much are national school fees in 2026?
Public boarding schools charge parents at most KSh 53,554 or KSh 40,535 a year, depending on the school’s approved cap, per Gazette Notice 1449.
Are day secondary schools free?
Yes. Government pays the full KSh 22,244 and parents pay nothing, per the gazette.
How are fees split across terms?
50% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 20% in Term 3.
Related: School fees in Kenya hub
Sources: Kenya Gazette, 6 February 2026, Gazette Notice No. 1449. Last updated October 2026.
