The National Parents Association (NPA) has opposed a proposal by secondary school principals to increase annual school fees by as much as KSh43,000, warning that struggling families cannot shoulder higher education costs.


The association accused the government of shifting the burden of underfunded public schools onto parents, insisting that schools should instead receive adequate funding from the National Treasury.


The proposal, submitted by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), seeks to review school fees for the first time since 2015.

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The standoff now shifts to the Ministry of Education, which must decide whether to approve the proposal or prioritise increased capitation for public schools.

KESSHA Cites Rising Costs

School principals argue that inflation, higher food and utility prices, and the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum have significantly increased the cost of running schools.

Under the proposal:

  • National schools would charge KSh87,781, up from KSh53,554.
  • Extra-county and county boarding schools would increase fees from KSh40,535 to KSh83,622.
  • Public day schools would introduce an annual operational levy of KSh7,675 despite free tuition.

KESSHA says the proposed adjustments are necessary to keep schools financially sustainable.

NPA Opposes Blanket Fee Increase

NPA National Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa said the proposed increases are unrealistic at a time when many households are already struggling with the cost of living.


He argued that parents are already paying for transport, uniforms and learning materials, making additional fees unaffordable for many families.


The association has urged the Ministry of Education to reject the proposal and instead ensure schools receive adequate government funding.

Capitation Delays Blamed

The dispute comes as schools continue to face financial pressure due to delayed government capitation.


The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has also criticised the Ministry of Education, saying delayed disbursements and frequent changes to funding guidelines have disrupted school operations.


The NPA warned that any attempt to implement a nationwide fee increase without approval from parents through school Annual General Meetings would face legal challenges, maintaining that the government should prioritise releasing full capitation to public schools.