School Fees in Kenya 2026 — The Complete Guide for Parents
One of the first questions every Kenyan parent asks when researching schools is simple: how much will it cost?
School fees in Kenya range from zero at a public day secondary school to over KES 2,000,000 per year at a top international institution. Understanding what you are actually paying for — and what the government covers — can save you thousands of shillings and a lot of confusion.
This guide gives you the full, official picture of school fees in Kenya for 2026: public schools, private schools, boarding schools, CBC senior schools, and everything in between.
Browse schools by fees and type using the Schools in Kenya Directory — Kenya’s most complete school comparison tool.
The Big Picture — What Has Changed for School Fees in 2026?
2026 is a significant year for school fees in Kenya. The shift to the Competency-Based Education (CBC) framework has introduced new fee structures, especially for senior secondary schools (Grade 10–12), which admit their first cohort in January 2026.
Key changes confirmed by the Ministry of Education:
Public day secondary schools remain free. The government continues to fully fund tuition for learners in public day secondary schools under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme.
Boarding fees are now standardised. All public boarding senior secondary schools charge a single, uniform annual fee — scrapping the old national, extra-county, and county school fee tiers.
Government capitation has been revised. The government provides KES 22,244 per learner per year as capitation for tuition in public secondary schools.
No unauthorised fee increases allowed. The Ministry of Education confirmed in December 2025 that no school may increase fees without prior written approval from the Ministry.
Public Secondary School Fees in Kenya 2026
Day Schools — Zero Tuition for Parents
If your child attends a public day secondary school, you pay zero tuition fees in 2026. The government fully covers tuition costs through the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme, contributing KES 22,244 per learner annually as capitation directly to the school.
As a parent, your main costs at a public day school are:
School uniform — bought once, with replacements as needed
Stationery and textbooks — though many schools provide CBC textbooks through government supply
Optional co-curricular activities — sports trips, music events, etc.
Transport — matatu, school bus, or fuel depending on distance
Boarding Schools — Official Fee Caps 2026
For public boarding secondary and senior secondary schools, fees are regulated by the Ministry of Education. Boarding fees cover accommodation, meals, and boarding management — tuition remains government-funded.
The official boarding fee caps for 2026 are:
School Type
Annual Boarding Fee (KES)
Boarding schools in major urban centres
KES 53,554
Other public boarding schools
KES 40,535
Special Needs Schools
KES 12,790
The Ministry has standardised all public boarding senior secondary schools (the new Grade 10–12 schools) at KES 53,554 per year — eliminating the old tiered structure where national schools charged more than county schools. This means every public boarding senior school in Kenya now charges the same government-capped fee.
Important: Any school charging above these caps is violating Ministry of Education guidelines. Parents should report such schools to the County Director of Education.
Day Senior Secondary Schools (Grade 10–12)
Learners in public day senior secondary schools (the new CBC Grade 10 institutions) pay an annual contribution of KES 9,374. Special Needs learners in day senior schools pay KES 37,210 per year.
The government continues to provide capitation of KES 12,870 per learner per year to these schools to cover running costs beyond the parental contribution.
Private School Fees in Kenya 2026
Private schools in Kenya set their own fees independently, subject to Ministry of Education oversight. Fees vary widely depending on the curriculum offered, facilities, location, and school reputation.
Private Kenyan Curriculum (CBC) Schools
Private schools following the CBC curriculum are generally more affordable than international schools but charge above the public school rate. Typical annual fees range from:
KES 50,000 – KES 150,000 for private primary schools (Grades 1–6)
KES 80,000 – KES 250,000 for private junior secondary schools (Grades 7–9)
KES 100,000 – KES 350,000 for private senior secondary schools (Grades 10–12)
These figures cover tuition. Boarding, meals, uniform, and activities are often charged separately.
Private British Curriculum Schools (IGCSE / A-Levels)
British curriculum schools in Kenya tend to charge significantly more, reflecting the cost of international examinations, expatriate teachers, and premium facilities.
Typical annual fees:
KES 300,000 – KES 700,000 for primary years
KES 500,000 – KES 1,200,000 for secondary years (IGCSE level)
KES 700,000 – KES 1,500,000 for sixth form / A-Level years
Cambridge examination fees (IGCSE and A-Level) are charged separately on top of tuition and typically range from KES 30,000 to KES 80,000 per year depending on the number of subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools
IB schools are among the most expensive in Kenya, reflecting the cost of IB authorisation, training, and examinations. Annual fees typically range from:
KES 800,000 – KES 1,500,000 at the primary and middle years level
KES 1,200,000 – KES 2,500,000+ for the IB Diploma Programme
IB examination fees are charged separately by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and can add KES 100,000 – KES 200,000 for Diploma candidates.
American Curriculum Schools
Schools offering the American curriculum and AP (Advanced Placement) qualifications typically charge fees comparable to British curriculum schools, ranging from KES 400,000 to KES 1,800,000 per year depending on the year group and school.
Find and compare private schools by curriculum using the curriculum section of the Schools in Kenya Directory.
What Do School Fees in Kenya Actually Cover?
Whether you are looking at a public or private school, it is essential to understand what your fees include and what is charged separately. Many Kenyan parents are caught off guard by additional costs on top of the headline fee.
Typically Included in the School Fee
Tuition (for private schools)
Boarding and accommodation (where applicable)
Meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner for boarders
Use of school facilities — classrooms, libraries, labs
Basic co-curricular participation
Typically Charged Separately
School uniform — varies by school; budget KES 3,000 – KES 15,000
Stationery and textbooks — KES 2,000 – KES 20,000 depending on year group
Examination fees — KNEC exams (KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA) are government-subsidised; Cambridge and IB exams are expensive
Transport — school bus fees or fuel; KES 10,000 – KES 60,000 per year
Optional trips and excursions — usually communicated in advance
PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) levy — KES 500 – KES 5,000 per year
Development levy — some schools charge for infrastructure; must be Ministry-approved
Co-curricular activity fees — music, drama, clubs
Always ask for the full itemised fee structure, not just the headline amount. The difference between the advertised fee and the true annual cost can be substantial.
School Fees and the CBC Transition — What Parents Need to Know
The CBC transition has introduced some important changes to how fees are structured at senior secondary level:
Pathway Choice Affects Costs
From Grade 10, learners choose between three learning pathways:
Arts and Sports Science
Social Sciences
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Different pathways may involve different resource requirements — for example, STEM pathways require well-equipped laboratories, while Arts pathways may need music rooms and performance facilities. Schools offering all three pathways may charge slightly different fees for resources and materials per pathway.
School Mapping and Pathway Availability
The Ministry of Education is conducting a comprehensive mapping of all senior secondary schools to confirm which pathways and tracks each institution offers. This information will be published online to help parents and learners make informed placement and school choice decisions.
Before enrolling your child in a senior secondary school, confirm that the school offers your child’s preferred pathway. Visit the schools directory to filter senior schools by pathway availability.
Financial Transparency Requirements
New Ministry of Education guidelines require all senior secondary schools to:
Issue a full, itemised fee structure to every student at the start of each term
Announce official fee collection channels (bank, M-Pesa paybill, etc.) in advance
Seek written Ministry approval before charging any levy beyond the approved structure
Allow parents adequate notice before fee collection dates
How to Budget for School Fees in Kenya — A Practical Framework
Managing school fees in Kenya requires planning, especially with three terms per year and multiple children in school. Here is a practical budgeting framework:
Step 1 — Identify the All-In Annual Cost
Request the full fee structure from the school before enrolment. Add:
Tuition or boarding fee (as applicable)
Uniform and stationery (one-off at the start of the year, plus replacements)
Transport costs (annual)
Examination fees (if applicable)
Estimated trip and activity costs
PTA and development levies
This gives you the true annual cost per child.
Step 2 — Divide by Three (Terms)
Most Kenyan schools collect fees termly. Divide your annual estimate by three to understand the termly payment obligation. Many schools require payment in full at or before the start of each term.
Step 3 — Plan for January — the Hardest Month
January is the most expensive month in the Kenyan school calendar. It typically involves:
Full Term 1 fees
New uniform and stationery purchases (especially for learners joining a new school)
Joining deposits for new enrolments at private schools
Transport arrangements
Start saving for January fees by October of the previous year.
Step 4 — Know Your Payment Options
Most public schools accept payment via:
M-Pesa (school paybill numbers — always verify the official number)
Bank transfer or cheque — confirmed with the school bursar
Cash — less common; always get a receipt
Private schools often offer instalments within a term or term-by-term payment plans. Ask the school whether a payment plan is available if full upfront payment is a challenge.
For tips on managing school costs and resources for parents, visit the resources section of the Schools in Kenya Directory.
School Fees and Admission — What to Expect
When enrolling a child in a new school, especially a private school, there are often one-off admission costs on top of the regular termly fees. Understand these before committing:
Application fee — a non-refundable processing fee; typically KES 500 – KES 2,000
Assessment fee — charged when a child sits an entrance assessment; typically KES 1,000 – KES 3,000
Enrolment fee — a one-off fee paid upon accepting an offer; typically KES 3,000 – KES 10,000
Caution deposit — a refundable deposit held for the duration of enrolment; typically KES 5,000 – KES 20,000
These fees are separate from the first term’s tuition and can add KES 10,000 – KES 30,000 to your initial outlay.
For a full guide on the admission process, including timelines for public placement and private school applications, visit the admission section on the Schools in Kenya Directory.
Travelling to School — Hidden Costs Parents Overlook
Transport is one of the most overlooked but significant costs in the Kenyan school budget. For day school families in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, transport can rival or exceed the tuition fee itself.
Typical transport costs in Kenya:
Transport Type
Estimated Annual Cost
Walking / cycling (nearby school)
KES 0 – KES 2,000 (shoes/bike maintenance)
Matatu (public minibus)
KES 15,000 – KES 40,000
School bus service
KES 20,000 – KES 80,000
Private car (fuel + maintenance)
KES 40,000 – KES 120,000+
Choosing a school closer to home can dramatically reduce your annual education budget. Use the travelling section of the Schools in Kenya Directory to find schools within a practical distance of your home or workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Fees in Kenya 2026
Are public secondary schools free in Kenya in 2026?
Yes — tuition at public day secondary and senior secondary schools remains free in 2026 under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme. The government pays KES 22,244 per learner per year directly to the school. Parents only cover incidental costs like uniform and transport.
How much do boarding schools cost in Kenya in 2026?
Public boarding secondary schools charge a government-capped annual fee. Boarding schools in major urban centres charge up to KES 53,554 per year, while other public boarding schools charge up to KES 40,535. Special Needs boarding schools charge KES 12,790. Private boarding schools vary widely.
Has the Ministry of Education increased school fees for 2026?
No. The Ministry of Education confirmed in December 2025 that there has been no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools in 2026. Reports of a KES 9,374 fee increase were dismissed as false and misleading by Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba.
How much do private schools cost in Kenya?
Private school fees in Kenya range from around KES 50,000 per year for a local CBC private school to over KES 2,500,000 for a top international school offering the IB Diploma. The cost depends on the curriculum, location, and facilities offered.
Can a school in Kenya charge extra fees beyond the official structure?
No — schools must seek written approval from the Ministry of Education before charging any levy beyond the approved fee structure. Any school charging unauthorised fees should be reported to the County Director of Education.
Where can I compare school fees across different schools in Kenya?
Use the Schools in Kenya Directory to find and compare schools across Kenya — including fee information, curriculum, location, and facilities.
What school-related costs should I budget for beyond tuition?
Beyond tuition (which is free at public day schools), budget for uniform, stationery, transport, examination fees, PTA levies, and optional activity costs. Always request an itemised fee structure from the school. For budgeting tips, visit our school tips section.
What is the difference in fees between CBC pathways at senior secondary level?
All learners in public senior secondary schools pay the same government-set fee regardless of pathway. However, different pathways (STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports Science) may involve different resource and materials costs, which schools may communicate separately. Confirm with your school what pathway-specific costs apply.
Final Word — Know What You Are Paying For
School fees in Kenya in 2026 range from completely free to over two million shillings. Understanding the official fee structure, what the government covers, and what hidden costs to expect puts you in a much stronger position as a parent.
Before enrolling your child anywhere, always:
Request the full itemised fee structure in writing
Confirm the school’s official M-Pesa or bank payment details
Ask what the first-term total cost will be (including admission fees and uniform)
Check whether the school is registered and approved by the Ministry of Education
The Schools in Kenya Directory makes it easier to find, compare, and shortlist schools based on fees, curriculum, and location — all in one place.
For more school guides, tips, and resources, visit the school tips and education news sections of the directory.
School Fees in Kenya 2026 — The Complete Guide for Parents
School Fees in Kenya 2026 — The Complete Guide for Parents
One of the first questions every Kenyan parent asks when researching schools is simple: how much will it cost?
School fees in Kenya range from zero at a public day secondary school to over KES 2,000,000 per year at a top international institution. Understanding what you are actually paying for — and what the government covers — can save you thousands of shillings and a lot of confusion.
This guide gives you the full, official picture of school fees in Kenya for 2026: public schools, private schools, boarding schools, CBC senior schools, and everything in between.
The Big Picture — What Has Changed for School Fees in 2026?
2026 is a significant year for school fees in Kenya. The shift to the Competency-Based Education (CBC) framework has introduced new fee structures, especially for senior secondary schools (Grade 10–12), which admit their first cohort in January 2026.
Key changes confirmed by the Ministry of Education:
Public Secondary School Fees in Kenya 2026
Day Schools — Zero Tuition for Parents
If your child attends a public day secondary school, you pay zero tuition fees in 2026. The government fully covers tuition costs through the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme, contributing KES 22,244 per learner annually as capitation directly to the school.
As a parent, your main costs at a public day school are:
Boarding Schools — Official Fee Caps 2026
For public boarding secondary and senior secondary schools, fees are regulated by the Ministry of Education. Boarding fees cover accommodation, meals, and boarding management — tuition remains government-funded.
The official boarding fee caps for 2026 are:
The Ministry has standardised all public boarding senior secondary schools (the new Grade 10–12 schools) at KES 53,554 per year — eliminating the old tiered structure where national schools charged more than county schools. This means every public boarding senior school in Kenya now charges the same government-capped fee.
Day Senior Secondary Schools (Grade 10–12)
Learners in public day senior secondary schools (the new CBC Grade 10 institutions) pay an annual contribution of KES 9,374. Special Needs learners in day senior schools pay KES 37,210 per year.
The government continues to provide capitation of KES 12,870 per learner per year to these schools to cover running costs beyond the parental contribution.
Private School Fees in Kenya 2026
Private schools in Kenya set their own fees independently, subject to Ministry of Education oversight. Fees vary widely depending on the curriculum offered, facilities, location, and school reputation.
Private Kenyan Curriculum (CBC) Schools
Private schools following the CBC curriculum are generally more affordable than international schools but charge above the public school rate. Typical annual fees range from:
These figures cover tuition. Boarding, meals, uniform, and activities are often charged separately.
Private British Curriculum Schools (IGCSE / A-Levels)
British curriculum schools in Kenya tend to charge significantly more, reflecting the cost of international examinations, expatriate teachers, and premium facilities.
Typical annual fees:
Cambridge examination fees (IGCSE and A-Level) are charged separately on top of tuition and typically range from KES 30,000 to KES 80,000 per year depending on the number of subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools
IB schools are among the most expensive in Kenya, reflecting the cost of IB authorisation, training, and examinations. Annual fees typically range from:
IB examination fees are charged separately by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and can add KES 100,000 – KES 200,000 for Diploma candidates.
American Curriculum Schools
Schools offering the American curriculum and AP (Advanced Placement) qualifications typically charge fees comparable to British curriculum schools, ranging from KES 400,000 to KES 1,800,000 per year depending on the year group and school.
Find and compare private schools by curriculum using the curriculum section of the Schools in Kenya Directory.
What Do School Fees in Kenya Actually Cover?
Whether you are looking at a public or private school, it is essential to understand what your fees include and what is charged separately. Many Kenyan parents are caught off guard by additional costs on top of the headline fee.
Typically Included in the School Fee
Typically Charged Separately
School Fees and the CBC Transition — What Parents Need to Know
The CBC transition has introduced some important changes to how fees are structured at senior secondary level:
Pathway Choice Affects Costs
From Grade 10, learners choose between three learning pathways:
Different pathways may involve different resource requirements — for example, STEM pathways require well-equipped laboratories, while Arts pathways may need music rooms and performance facilities. Schools offering all three pathways may charge slightly different fees for resources and materials per pathway.
School Mapping and Pathway Availability
The Ministry of Education is conducting a comprehensive mapping of all senior secondary schools to confirm which pathways and tracks each institution offers. This information will be published online to help parents and learners make informed placement and school choice decisions.
Before enrolling your child in a senior secondary school, confirm that the school offers your child’s preferred pathway. Visit the schools directory to filter senior schools by pathway availability.
Financial Transparency Requirements
New Ministry of Education guidelines require all senior secondary schools to:
How to Budget for School Fees in Kenya — A Practical Framework
Managing school fees in Kenya requires planning, especially with three terms per year and multiple children in school. Here is a practical budgeting framework:
Step 1 — Identify the All-In Annual Cost
Request the full fee structure from the school before enrolment. Add:
This gives you the true annual cost per child.
Step 2 — Divide by Three (Terms)
Most Kenyan schools collect fees termly. Divide your annual estimate by three to understand the termly payment obligation. Many schools require payment in full at or before the start of each term.
Step 3 — Plan for January — the Hardest Month
January is the most expensive month in the Kenyan school calendar. It typically involves:
Start saving for January fees by October of the previous year.
Step 4 — Know Your Payment Options
Most public schools accept payment via:
Private schools often offer instalments within a term or term-by-term payment plans. Ask the school whether a payment plan is available if full upfront payment is a challenge.
School Fees and Admission — What to Expect
When enrolling a child in a new school, especially a private school, there are often one-off admission costs on top of the regular termly fees. Understand these before committing:
These fees are separate from the first term’s tuition and can add KES 10,000 – KES 30,000 to your initial outlay.
For a full guide on the admission process, including timelines for public placement and private school applications, visit the admission section on the Schools in Kenya Directory.
Travelling to School — Hidden Costs Parents Overlook
Transport is one of the most overlooked but significant costs in the Kenyan school budget. For day school families in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, transport can rival or exceed the tuition fee itself.
Typical transport costs in Kenya:
Choosing a school closer to home can dramatically reduce your annual education budget. Use the travelling section of the Schools in Kenya Directory to find schools within a practical distance of your home or workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Fees in Kenya 2026
Are public secondary schools free in Kenya in 2026?
Yes — tuition at public day secondary and senior secondary schools remains free in 2026 under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme. The government pays KES 22,244 per learner per year directly to the school. Parents only cover incidental costs like uniform and transport.
How much do boarding schools cost in Kenya in 2026?
Public boarding secondary schools charge a government-capped annual fee. Boarding schools in major urban centres charge up to KES 53,554 per year, while other public boarding schools charge up to KES 40,535. Special Needs boarding schools charge KES 12,790. Private boarding schools vary widely.
Has the Ministry of Education increased school fees for 2026?
No. The Ministry of Education confirmed in December 2025 that there has been no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools in 2026. Reports of a KES 9,374 fee increase were dismissed as false and misleading by Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba.
How much do private schools cost in Kenya?
Private school fees in Kenya range from around KES 50,000 per year for a local CBC private school to over KES 2,500,000 for a top international school offering the IB Diploma. The cost depends on the curriculum, location, and facilities offered.
Can a school in Kenya charge extra fees beyond the official structure?
No — schools must seek written approval from the Ministry of Education before charging any levy beyond the approved fee structure. Any school charging unauthorised fees should be reported to the County Director of Education.
Where can I compare school fees across different schools in Kenya?
Use the Schools in Kenya Directory to find and compare schools across Kenya — including fee information, curriculum, location, and facilities.
What school-related costs should I budget for beyond tuition?
Beyond tuition (which is free at public day schools), budget for uniform, stationery, transport, examination fees, PTA levies, and optional activity costs. Always request an itemised fee structure from the school. For budgeting tips, visit our school tips section.
What is the difference in fees between CBC pathways at senior secondary level?
All learners in public senior secondary schools pay the same government-set fee regardless of pathway. However, different pathways (STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports Science) may involve different resource and materials costs, which schools may communicate separately. Confirm with your school what pathway-specific costs apply.
Final Word — Know What You Are Paying For
School fees in Kenya in 2026 range from completely free to over two million shillings. Understanding the official fee structure, what the government covers, and what hidden costs to expect puts you in a much stronger position as a parent.
Before enrolling your child anywhere, always:
The Schools in Kenya Directory makes it easier to find, compare, and shortlist schools based on fees, curriculum, and location — all in one place.
For more school guides, tips, and resources, visit the school tips and education news sections of the directory.
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