Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has warned public secondary schools against charging unauthorised fees, saying any institution found doing so will face disciplinary action.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mr Ogamba dismissed claims that school fees have been increased.

He said reports that parents are required to pay an additional Sh9,374 as false and misleading.

“The Ministry of Education categorically clarifies that there has been no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools,” Mr Ogamba said.

He stressed that any school imposing charges outside the approved framework would be punished.

“Any school charging unauthorised fees will be doing so without approval and will face appropriate administrative and disciplinary action,” he said.

Mr Ogamba explained that under Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 2015, parents of day secondary school learners were initially required to contribute Sh9,374 per year, alongside a government subsidy.

However, following the full implementation of Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE), the government increased capitation to Sh22,244 per learner per year, removing tuition costs for parents.

“The Government removed any financial obligation on parents for tuition, and this position has been communicated through official circulars,” he said.

According to the CS, FDSE applies to all learners in public secondary schools, including both day scholars and boarders.

Boarding learners only pay approved boarding fees and do not pay tuition.

He added that boarding fee ceilings remain unchanged.

“No school is permitted to exceed the approved boarding fee limits,” Mr Ogamba said.

Under the current framework, boarding schools in major urban centres may charge up to Sh53,554, while other boarding schools may charge up to Sh40,535.

Special needs schools charge Sh12,790.

Mr Ogamba also clarified that the transition from national, extra-county, county and sub-county schools to clusters C1–C4 is structural and does not introduce new charges.

“The transition to clusters C1–C4 is purely structural and does not introduce any new fees,” he said.

He assured parents and guardians that day scholars in public secondary schools and C4 day senior schools pay zero fees, urging them to report any unauthorised levies to the ministry for action.

Mr Ogamba noted that a similar clarification issued on November 6, 2025, remains in force and has not been withdrawn.