Secondary Schools fees is expected to go up effective 2024. School Fees for National, County, Extra County and Day schools will now go up in order to cushion schools against inflation and the high cost of living.
Read all the details here: Fees Structure Guidelines for Secondary schools 2024
Principals of secondary schools, facing pressures from suppliers because the government’s delays in releasing free learning funds, and the high cost of living, have proposed an increase in school fees.
This could mean that parents of students in free day schools may have to contribute for the first time in 15 years.
MOE new school fees
The proposal from the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) suggests a fee increase for all categories of secondary schools.
Parents with children in county and extra county schools could experience the highest fee increase,
with annual fees potentially rising from Sh40,535 to Sh66,023,
This is a substantial increase of Sh25,488.
This move could affect learners in day schools, who make up approximately 70% of all secondary school students and have been enjoying free tuition.
Kessha has further recommended a fee increase of Sh19,628 for learners in national schools, potentially raising the annual fees to Sh73,182 from Sh53,554.
The rationale behind these proposed fee increases is the inadequacy of the fees currently charged,
According to the principals, hampers school operations, accumulates debts, and makes infrastructure development impossible.
Notably, these proposals come shortly after a disclosure that university students will have to contribute a percentage of their tuition fees,
However, this is contrary to earlier promises of full government funding for economically vulnerable students.
MOE new school fees
This change might restrict free education to primary and junior school segments only.
It’s important to highlight that these proposals do not recommend an increase in government capitation, even though principals have called for it in the past.
All secondary school learners currently receive Sh22,244 per year, but the government has been providing less money to schools, causing complications in their operations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu recently admitted that the government has underpaid schools over the last five years,
with a shortfall of over Sh60 billion under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program.
This has led to schools struggling to manage rising teaching material and meal costs for boarding students.
MOE new school fees
Principals have accused the ministry of withholding funds meant for schools, and there are calls for better financial support to ensure schools can function effectively.
In summary, these proposed fee increases and changes in university student funding may mark the end of the 15-year period of free secondary education in Kenya.
It’s a response to various financial challenges faced by schools and students alike.
The situation remains complex, with some blaming the National Treasury for funding shortfalls, and
There are additional requests, such as altering the textbooks policy and allowing schools to manage school uniforms.
The future of free secondary education in Kenya remains uncertain, and the proposals have stirred discussions about the education system’s financial sustainability and support for students.
