Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
The Senior School Fees Structure published as Gazette Notice No. 1449 on 6 February 2026 sets the maximum that public boarding senior schools may charge parents each year. It also says how the fee is spread through the year: schools “shall spread these fees over the three school terms at the ratio of 50:30:20”. This guide turns that rule into termly figures so you can plan.
On this page
The Annual Parent Fees
The notice groups boarding schools by the maximum fee they were previously approved to charge. It does not list schools by name. The parent’s share per year is:
- KSh 53,554 for schools previously approved for the higher ceiling;
- KSh 40,535 for schools previously approved for the lower ceiling; and
- KSh 12,790 for special needs senior schools.
Public day senior schools charge parents no tuition fees. The government also pays its own share for each learner on top of the parent fee.
Termly Amounts
Applying the 50:30:20 ratio to the parent’s share gives these figures. They are our arithmetic from the gazetted ratio:
| Annual parent fee (KSh) | Term 1 (50%) | Term 2 (30%) | Term 3 (20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53,554 | 26,777 | 16,066.20 | 10,710.80 |
| 40,535 | 20,267.50 | 12,160.50 | 8,107 |
| 12,790 (special needs) | 6,395 | 3,837 | 2,558 |
Schools often round these, for example to KSh 26,777, 16,066 and 10,711.
Why Term 1 Is the Biggest
Half the year’s fee falls in Term 1. For Grade 10 families, that coincides with buying uniform and the shopping list, so January can be the most expensive month of senior school. Start saving now if your child is likely to be placed in a boarding school.
Which Ceiling Applies?
Because the notice does not name schools, ask the school which ceiling it falls under and request a fee structure on letterhead broken down by vote head. Schools charging below the ceiling are encouraged to keep their lower rates. If a boarding school’s parent total is above KSh 53,554, ask in writing what the extra covers and which approval allows it.
Paying in Instalments
The Ministry’s Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education allow schools to accept instalments under a signed payment plan while the learner stays in school. Schools must give official receipts and use official payment channels, and they are prohibited from sending students away for non-payment of boarding fees, as provided in the Basic Education Act.
What Is Not in the Fee
Uniform, mattress, bedding, toiletries, stationery, transport and pocket money are outside the gazetted fee. Budget for them separately. See boarding vs day school costs and hidden CBC costs.
A Simple Saving Plan
If your child will join a boarding school charging the higher ceiling, Term 1 alone is about KSh 26,777 before uniform and shopping. Setting aside a fixed amount every week from now, even a small one, makes January far less painful. Keep fee receipts from every term in one folder; you may need them for bursary applications.
Help With Fees
Bursaries and scholarships can help. Read our bursaries and scholarships guide, and see the full senior school fees 2026 breakdown and our school fees hub.
Affordable Revision
Good preparation does not need expensive tuition. The Year Pass at KSh 4,000 is less than KSh 11 a day and opens every practice paper and revision book on the site, paid by M-Pesa.