The Ministry of Education cautions schools against imposing hidden costs as it finalizes an affordable fee structure for Kenya’s senior schools.
The Ministry of Education has cautioned school heads against charging parents extra money or demanding items from learners for practical lessons. Director of Secondary Education, Dr. William Sugut, said teachers must use government-provided capitation to purchase learning materials.
This warning comes as the government develops a new fee structure for senior school learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum. Dr. Sugut said the new model will be affordable and equitable, ensuring that all children can continue to Grade 10 without financial pressure.
Parents had complained about being forced to provide eggs or chickens for science demonstrations, with some learners allegedly facing victimization for non-compliance. Dr. Sugut clarified that such practices are “unacceptable” and violate the ministry’s funding guidelines.
The upcoming 2026 transition will see over a million learners join senior schools, categorized into four clusters. The ministry’s efforts to eliminate hidden costs and harmonize fees demonstrate its commitment to equitable education for every Kenyan child.
