CS Ogamba Denies Claims of Boarding Fee Hike in Public Senior Schools

The Ministry of Education has dismissed reports circulating in the media suggesting that boarding fees in public senior schools have been increased.

In a press statement issued on November 6, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba clarified that no such revision has been approved.

“Parents, learners, and the general public are hereby notified that there has been no revision of boarding fees, or any other fees, payable by learners,” said Ogamba in the statement.

He stressed that the current fee structure remains unchanged and urged the public to ignore misleading reports.

The statement reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing commitment to support education through capitation, a constitutionally mandated budgetary allocation provided to schools per student.

“The Government will continue to fulfil its constitutional duty of providing capitation for learners in senior school. The approved rate of capitation for this level of education remains Ksh. 22,244 per learner per year,” Ogamba added.

The Ministry emphasized that the existing guidance on boarding fees, as issued in previous circulars, will continue to apply nationwide.

This announcement comes amid rising concern from parents over the cost of education, with some fearing that school fees might increase ahead of the 2026 academic year.

The clarification provides reassurance to families already facing economic strain, particularly in light of other rising living costs. The Ministry further encouraged parents and guardians to seek official communication from the Ministry before acting on unverified media reports.

Ogamba, who holds the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) honor, concluded the statement by reaffirming the Government’s priority to ensure equitable access to education for all learners in the country, without imposing additional financial burdens on households.

The Ministry stated that it remains committed to transparency and will continue to engage stakeholders to maintain the affordability and quality of senior school education in Kenya.