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Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has directed all schools to cease asking parents to pay charges outside the authorized fee guidelines for secondary school.

The PS said that primary and junior schools are predominant day schools and the Ministry of Education caters for the requisite tuition requirements through capitation.

“For avoidance of doubt, no fees will be charged by public and junior schools,” said Kipsang in a circular dated February 2 to Regional and County Directors of Education.

The PS also said that all schools are required to fill out the fees declaration form, countersigned by the Sub County Directors of Education in the format that the Ministry has provided.

“Every Sub County and County Directors of Education will be held liable for any breach within their areas of jurisdiction. All completed forms should be submitted to the Ministry headquarters by February 9 in both hard and soft copies. Soft copies should be submitted via the [email protected]. sample formats have been emailed to you,” Kipsang advised.

The PS said that the Constitution mandates the Education Cabinet Secretary to implement free and compulsory basic education for all Kenyan children of school-going age.

He, however, regretted that this is negated by public schools including primary, junior and secondary that are reported to be charging unauthorized levies yet the Ministry has been issuing circulars to pronounce itself on the matter.

Similarly, he said the Ministry issued a circular, dated May 30, 2023, banning school heads from selling or stocking uniforms and boarding items and directed all learning institutions to comply to the letter.

“All secondary schools must adhere and comply with authorized fees structure under Kenya Gazette notice No 1555 of March 2015 payable in the spread ratio of 50 per cent, 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively,” the PS advised.

Schools lunch programme

For lunch programme in day schools, Kipsang said it is optional and no child should be denied schooling for failure to pay the same.

“Regional Directors, County Directors and Sub County Directors should bring to the attention of the Principal Secretary, any school principal, board of management and head teachers charging unauthorized levies,” the PS warned.

Similarly, he said County and Sub County Directors of Education should utilize multi-agency approach to ensure adherence to the authorized fees structure and implementation of free and compulsory basic education.