All public senior boarding schools will charge a uniform annual fee of Sh53,554 from next year, as the government rolls out new rules to ensure fairness in school payments and enhance transparency in how institutions manage and spend money.
The directive, contained in the Ministry of Education’s Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education 2025, is meant to ease pressure on families and ensure learners across the country access education without financial discrimination.
The Ministry states that the standard fee applies to every senior boarding school and is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen equitable access to learning.
The guidelines require institutions to collect fees through approved channels and ensure every payment is accounted for, recorded and used only for school needs.
Schools must also present clear fee structures at the start of the academic year, provide receipts and allow instalment plans for learners whose parents cannot pay the entire amount at once.
“Schools must communicate fee collection deadlines well in advance to give parents sufficient time to prepare for payment. They must designate official payment channels, provide parents with official payment receipts for all fees paid, which should clearly indicate the amount, date and purpose of the payment,” reads the guidelines.
“Schools may also allow parents to pay fees in instalments if the full amount cannot be paid up front. This flexibility must be communicated clearly, a payment plan documented and signed by both parties to avoid disputes.”
No student will be removed from school over fees, with the Ministry citing the Basic Education Act.
“The students should always remain in school. Schools are prohibited from sending away students for non-payment of boarding fees as per the Basic Education Act (2013),” reads the document.
Parents must be consulted before any extra levies are introduced, while Boards of Management are required to ensure proper use of resources and give annual financial reports to parents. Schools must also offer bursaries or scholarships to support needy learners.
To enhance oversight, the Ministry has broken down school accounts into specific categories including tuition, operations, infrastructure, School Fund, savings, income-generating projects and NGCDF or donor funds.
Each account will hold money strictly meant for that purpose, with separate cashbooks maintained for clarity.
Every institution will prepare an annual budget, track spending and follow public finance rules in procurement. Payments will only be processed after goods or services are confirmed delivered. Internal controls, including approval processes, audits and reconciliations, will be mandatory.
Institutions must file their financial statements with the Auditor General by September 30, after internal review in August.
“The principal is responsible for maintaining accurate records and implementing previous audit recommendations. Any irregularities may lead to investigations or sanctions by oversight bodies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission,” the guidelines warn.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba reiterated that education remains a constitutional right and said the reforms will shape a skill-based system that prepares learners for modern opportunities.
“These guidelines guarantee that learners receive a quality education to enable them to make a significant contribution to Kenya’s socioeconomic and cultural fabric,” he said.
