Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
Many Kenyan parents have been asked for money that the rules say schools should not charge: development levies, lunch fees in junior schools, extra “tuition” or charges for a school place. The Ministry of Education has set clear rules for 2026, and the Education Cabinet Secretary has told parents to report illegal charges. This guide explains what is and is not allowed and how to raise a concern step by step.
On this page
- What Public Junior Schools May Charge
- What Public Senior Schools May Charge
- Step 1: Ask for It in Writing
- Step 2: Compare With the Rules
- Step 3: Raise It With the School’s Leadership
- Step 4: Escalate to Education Officers
- Step 5: Report Extortion or Bribery
- Your Child Should Not Be Sent Home
- Private Schools Are Different
- Save Money on Revision
What Public Junior Schools May Charge
Public junior schools (Grades 7 to 9) are funded through Free Day Junior School Education. The Ministry’s 2026 capitation circulars state that junior schools “are NOT allowed to charge any other fee/levies” and “are NOT allowed to charge for lunch programme”. Families still normally buy uniform, shoes, a bag, personal stationery and pay transport. Read junior school fees and capitation 2026.
What Public Senior Schools May Charge
Gazette Notice No. 1449 of 6 February 2026 sets the senior school fees structure. Day senior schools charge parents no tuition fees. Boarding schools may charge parents up to KSh 53,554 or KSh 40,535 a year, depending on their previously approved ceiling, and special needs schools KSh 12,790. The notice says: “No public school shall charge tuition fees or any other extra fees or levies contrary to the fees structure.” The Ministry’s senior school guidelines add that written approval for any levy must come from the Cabinet Secretary through the County Education Board, after consulting the Parents’ Association. See senior school fees 2026.
Step 1: Ask for It in Writing
Politely ask the school for the charge in writing, stating its purpose, the amount and the approval it relies on. A legitimate charge will have an approval letter. Keep copies of any messages, notices or receipts.
Step 2: Compare With the Rules
Check the charge against the circular or gazette notice. Tuition, lunch and general levies are not allowed in public junior schools. In senior schools, anything above the gazetted parent total needs approval.
Step 3: Raise It With the School’s Leadership
Bring the issue to the Board of Management or the Parents’ Association. Sometimes a charge is a misunderstanding, or was agreed without following the approval process, and can be fixed at this level.
Step 4: Escalate to Education Officers
If it is not resolved, go to the Sub-County Director of Education, and then the County Director if needed. Bring your written evidence.
Step 5: Report Extortion or Bribery
Demands for money in exchange for a school place, or for releasing results or documents, are illegal. The Education Cabinet Secretary has directed parents to report schools imposing extra charges to education offices or the police (Kenyans.co.ke).
Your Child Should Not Be Sent Home
The Ministry’s senior school guidelines prohibit sending students away for non-payment of boarding fees, as provided in the Basic Education Act, and allow instalments under a signed payment plan. If your child is sent home over fees, raise it with the principal and the Sub-County Director.
Private Schools Are Different
Private schools set their own fees under their contracts with parents, so these rules do not apply to them in the same way. Read the fee structure carefully before enrolling. See private CBC school fees.
Save Money on Revision
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