Thousands of Kenyan parents could soon face higher education costs after secondary school principals proposed a review of school fees that have remained unchanged since 2015.
The proposal, presented during the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) conference in Mombasa, seeks to align school fees with rising operational costs, inflation, and growing demands under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
School heads argue that delayed government capitation, increasing food prices, and the rising cost of educational resources have left institutions struggling to operate.
If approved, the proposed changes would significantly increase the amount parents pay annually, particularly for learners in boarding schools.
The proposed fee increase highlights mounting pressure on schools and the government to balance quality education with affordability for families.
School principals seek first major fee review in more than a decade
KESSHA officials say the current fee structure no longer reflects the realities facing schools across the country.
According to National Chairman Willy Kuria, schools have been operating under a framework established in 2015 despite significant increases in the cost of goods and services over the last 11 years.
The association argues that inflation, currency depreciation, and increased operational expenses have widened the gap between government funding and the actual cost of educating learners.
“The current fees charged in secondary schools were set in 2015, about 11 years ago. It is therefore no longer possible to sustainably run our institutions under the existing framework,” Kuria said.
Under the proposal, day school students would pay annual fees of KSh37,675, while learners in county boarding schools would pay up to KSh87,781 after government capitation.
Proposed school fees structure
| School Category | Proposed Annual Fee (After Capitation) |
|---|---|
| Day Schools | KSh37,675 |
| County Boarding Schools | KSh87,781 |
| National Schools (Actual Cost) | KSh110,025 |
| Extra-County Schools (Actual Cost) | KSh105,866 |
| County Schools (Actual Cost) | KSh87,675 |
The figures highlight the growing gap between the actual cost of education and the funding schools currently receive.
Delayed capitation and rising food costs strain school budgets
According to KESSHA, the government currently provides KSh22,244 per learner annually through capitation. However, principals say frequent delays in disbursement have disrupted school operations and forced institutions to operate under severe financial pressure.
School heads identify food as one of the biggest cost drivers, particularly in boarding institutions where the prices of essential commodities have risen sharply over the past decade.
“The movement in the price index of goods and services between 2015 and 2026 reflects a substantial increase in the general cost of living and, by extension, the cost of running educational institutions,” Kuria explained.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has backed the principals' concerns, warning that delayed capitation continues to affect the smooth running of schools across the country.
Major cost pressures facing schools
| Cost Factor | Impact on Schools |
|---|---|
| Delayed capitation | Cash flow challenges |
| Rising food prices | Higher boarding costs |
| Inflation | Increased operating expenses |
| Currency depreciation | Costlier learning materials |
| Utility expenses | Increased recurrent expenditure |
| Educational resources | Higher procurement costs |
Education stakeholders argue that these pressures have steadily eroded schools' ability to operate within the existing funding framework.
Competency-Based Education adds new financial demands
Beyond inflation and delayed funding, school heads say the rollout of Competency-Based Education has significantly increased operational costs.
The expanded curriculum requires schools to invest in specialised facilities, equipment, and learning materials that were not necessary under the previous system.
Subjects such as music, electricity, theatre and film, and home science demand practical learning spaces and equipment that many schools currently lack.
Areas requiring additional investment under CBE
| Learning Area | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Music | Instruments and studios |
| Electricity | Technical equipment and laboratories |
| Home Science | Practical training facilities |
| Theatre and Film | Production equipment and spaces |
| Sciences | Modern laboratories |
| Technical Subjects | Specialised tools and workshops |
School administrators argue that existing funding allocations do not adequately cover these new requirements, creating further financial pressure on institutions.
Debate over affordability likely to intensify
The proposed fee review is expected to trigger debate among parents, education stakeholders, and policymakers. While school administrators insist that higher fees are necessary to maintain education standards, many families are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The government now faces the challenge of balancing the financial needs of schools with the affordability concerns of parents.
As discussions continue, the proposal highlights the growing strain on Kenya's education system and the urgent need for a sustainable funding model capable of supporting both schools and learners in the years ahead.
