Breakdown: How Much You Will Pay for Senior School in 2026

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has officially gazetted the 2026 fee structure, revoking the decade-old rules from 2015. The new laws are designed to stop school principals from “squeezing” parents with hidden costs and “motivation fees.”

Here is exactly what you need to budget for:

1. Public Day Senior Schools: Ksh 0

The government has fully taken over the cost of day schooling.

• Government Contribution: Ksh 22,244

• Parental Contribution: Ksh 0

• What it covers: Tuition, medical insurance (EduAfya), activity fees, and maintenance.

2. Boarding Senior Schools (The Two Tiers)

Boarding fees are now strictly capped depending on the school’s category:

• Category A (National/Major Urban): Parents pay Ksh 53,554 (Total cost Ksh 75,798).

• Category B (Other Boarding): Parents pay Ksh 40,535 (Total cost Ksh 62,779).

Note: The government pays a flat Ksh 22,244 for every boarding student to cover tuition and medical.

3. Special Needs Schools: Big Subsidy

To support learners with disabilities, the government has increased its share:

• Government Pays: Ksh 57,974

• Parents Pay: Ksh 12,790
  

⚠️ The New “Golden Rules” for 2026

CS Ogamba was clear: schools that break these rules face disciplinary action.

• The 50:30:20 Rule: You don’t have to pay everything at once. Fees must be spread across the year: 50% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2, and 20% in Term 3.

• No “Hidden” Levies: Schools are strictly forbidden from charging for “tuition,” “remedials,” or “development” without express Gazette approval.

• Uniformity: These rates apply to both CBC (Grade 10-12) and the remaining 8-4-4 students.