Confusion over day secondary school fees persists ahead of reopening

As schools prepare to reopen in less than a week, uncertainty continues to mount over the fee structure for day secondary school learners, amid conflicting statements from the Ministry of Education and a key lawmaker.

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has cited government guidelines issued to principals in November, warning that they instruct schools to incorporate an additional sh.9,374 into new fee structures. Nyoro claims this directive effectively shifts the cost onto parents.

“It is alarming to see that the government unashamedly directs principals of day secondary schools that capitation from January will be sh.12,000 from the sh.22,244 that has been there before, directing that the burden of sh.9,374 will now be shouldered by parents,” Nyoro stated. He attributed the confusion to the Ministry’s failure to clarify the matter, leaving principals to rely on outdated Gazette notices.

In response, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba refuted the claims, insisting that the fee structure for January remains unchanged, in line with the 2019 circular that schools have been following.

CS Ogamba said the government will continue supporting Free Day Senior School learners to the tune of Ksh.22,244 per learner per year.

The Ministry of Education also released a statement reaffirming its official fee limits: “Under the approved implementation framework, boarding schools in major urban centres charge up to Ksh.53,554, all other boarding schools charge up to Ksh.40,535, while Special Needs Schools charge Ksh.12,790. These amounts have remained unchanged and no school is permitted to exceed them.”

To end speculation, CS Ogamba announced that a new circular clarifying school fees will be issued by Friday.

“We are going to issue another circular just to clarify so that there is a clean alignment and no more room for speculation on whether school fees have been raised or not,” he confirmed.

Nyoro also raised concerns about delays in absorbing Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns, accusing the government of retreating from its teacher recruitment targets.

“The decision by TSC to send renewal letters also needs to be rescinded. Teachers need an opportunity to serve the country in permanent and pensionable terms. Claiming there is no money is an incompetent answer,” he said.

Former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader, criticized the delays, urging the government to prioritize resources for education.

“Can’t we make sacrifices from some of the largesse we see around and avail resources to support our children?” he asked.

With schools set to reopen shortly, parents and stakeholders are awaiting the promised circular, hoping it will finally clarify the fee structure for day secondary schools.

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