The Ministry of Education has announced that all Senior Secondary Schools in Kenya will charge the same annual fees from next year.
The move is in line with the guidelines on the implementation of senior schools published by the Ministry, which aim to standardize operations in these institutions.
The new guidelines have scrapped the categorisation of secondary schools based on infrastructure and location, and will see all the institutions classified on the same level, charging a standard fee.
According to the guidelines, Senior school students enrolled in boarding schools will pay Sh53,554 annually.
“The school fees to be charged for all categories of boarding school shall, for the time being, remain at Sh53,554.00 as per the Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 10th March 2015,” read part of the guidelines.
Schools are required to adhere to the annual fee guidelines issued by the ministry and seek written approval from the Cabinet Secretary for any additional levies through the County Education Board (CEB).
Additionally, fee structures must be issued at the start of the academic year, specifying vote heads such as tuition, boarding, meals, and activity fees.
In the guidelines, the Ministry of Education has also directed that Parents must be given advance notice of fee collection deadlines, with schools required to designate official payment channels. All payments must be accompanied by official receipts that clearly indicate the amount, date, and purpose.
Grade 9 learners won’t get certificates after sitting KJSEA national exams
Where necessary, schools may allow fees to be paid in instalments, provided that clear documentation of the payment plan is signed by both parties to prevent disputes and ensure that students are not denied access to education.
Moreover, schools must prepare and present annual financial reports to the Parents’ Association (PA) and BoM, detailing how funds were spent.
Grade 10 subjects and lessons
The grade ten learners will take seven subjects, including core learning areas of English, Kiswahili, and core or essential mathematics, depending on whether the learner is pursuing STEM, arts, or humanities.
A new concept, community service learning, will also be introduced. The other three subjects will be determined by the pathway chosen by the learner.
Learners will be required to have eight lessons, each lasting 40 minutes per day, and a total of 40 per week.
