Last reviewed: 18 October 2026
CBC was designed to be hands-on. Learners make, grow, build, perform and present. That is good for learning, but it shifts some costs onto families. In a Twaweza survey of about 3,000 Kenyans in November 2022, “it is very costly” was the challenge with CBC cited most often, by 74% of respondents (Twaweza, Sauti za Wananchi). This guide lists the costs that do not always appear on the headline fee, shows real examples from schools’ published fee structures, and explains what public schools may legally ask for. Figures are as of October 2026.
The Rules First: Public Schools
- Public junior schools (Grades 7–9) are funded through Free Day Junior School Education capitation. The Ministry’s 2026 capitation circulars say junior schools “are NOT allowed to charge any other fee/levies” and “are NOT allowed to charge for lunch programme”. See our junior school fees and capitation guide.
- Public senior schools are bound by Gazette Notice No. 1449 of 2026: day schools KSh 0 for parents, boarding up to KSh 53,554 or KSh 40,535 a year. “No public school shall charge tuition fees or any other extra fees or levies contrary to the fees structure.”
- Any levy needs written approval from the Cabinet Secretary through the County Education Board, after consulting the Parents’ Association. Schools must issue fee structures by vote head and give official receipts (MoE senior school guidelines, section 7.6).
So in a public school, a “project fee”, “assessment fee” or “development levy” should come with an approval letter. You are entitled to ask to see it.
The Costs Parents Actually Meet
1. Project and practical materials
Agriculture, Pre-Technical Studies, Integrated Science and Creative Arts & Sports include practical work and projects that are part of school-based assessment. Materials can include seeds, manure, cartons, wood, fabric, art supplies and printing. Some private schools fold this into one charge. Examples from published 2026 fee structures:
- Nyahururu Elite School (Laikipia, private): “CBC Projects, Academic Resources and CBC Students Assessment”, KSh 5,000 per term (Grade 10 fee structure 2026).
- Blessed Assurance Academy (Mlolongo, private): a project fee of KSh 6,000 a year and CBC assessments of KSh 1,300 a year for Grades 7–9 (fee structure published 19 June 2026).
Ways to save: ask the teacher whether recycled or locally available materials are acceptable. Share bulk materials with other parents.
2. Textbooks and devices
In public schools, KICD-approved course books are bought centrally from capitation. Part of each learner’s tuition money is held back for textbooks. Private schools often charge for books separately. Blessed Assurance lists KSh 15,000 one-off for Grade 7–9 textbooks. Senior schools may also expect a laptop. Lukenya Boys (Machakos, private) lists “Laptop Grade 10: KSh 30,000” (senior school fee structure 2026).
3. Uniform and games kit
Uniform is the most universal extra, and it is not covered by the gazette. Nyahururu Elite lists items “provided and paid for in school”, including a tracksuit (KSh 2,500), two sweaters (KSh 4,000) and two games T-shirts (KSh 1,400). Riara Springs Girls’ (Nairobi) lists uniform at KSh 23,000 (fee structure). Ask whether you may buy uniform items from other suppliers. That can be cheaper.
4. Co-curricular activities and clubs
CBC values talent development, and some schools charge for clubs. Blessed Assurance requires every learner to join at least one activity. Ballet, chess, music and similar options are KSh 3,000 per term, while several sports are free. Lukenya lists the President’s Award Scheme and St John Ambulance as optional charges of KSh 10,000 per term each. Check which activities are compulsory and which are optional before you pay.
5. Transport
Day schooling saves fees but adds daily fares. Blessed Assurance publishes transport zones from KSh 8,800 to KSh 14,000 per term for two-way transport. Boarding schools may charge “connection” fares at opening and closing. Lukenya lists KSh 1,000 to KSh 3,000 depending on pick-up point. Compare both in our boarding vs day costs worksheet.
6. Admission, caution and “once-off” fees
Private schools commonly charge admission and refundable caution fees on joining. Examples are KSh 10,000 + KSh 10,000 at Nyahururu Elite and KSh 20,000 admission at Lukenya. The 2026 gazette lists no admission or caution vote head for public senior schools.
7. Remedial lessons, tours and photocopies
These come up often in parent complaints. In public schools, they must fit within approved charges. Ask for the approval if a new charge appears mid-term.
A Quick Checklist
- Get the official fee structure at the start of the year, with vote heads.
- Ask which items are compulsory and which are optional.
- For any public school levy, ask to see the written approval.
- Pay only through official channels and keep receipts.
- If costs are a barrier, look at bursaries and scholarships and ask the school about a payment plan.
For more school-by-school detail, see our fees hub. Business Radar also tracks school fee structures and education costs in Kenya.
Sources
- Twaweza, Sauti za Wananchi brief on the curriculum (survey of 3–17 November 2022).
- Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1449 of 2026; MoE senior school guidelines (October 2025).
- School fee structures linked in the text, accessed October 2026.