The Ministry of Education is nearing the completion of a new senior school fee structure ahead of the 2026 implementation that will see students in Grade 9 transition to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Secondary Schools Director William Sugut said that the team of ministry officials and school principals is currently finalizing the framework and will make it available soon.
“There is a working team on the fee with principals. We will soon make the new figures available. But for certain, it will be something that is within reach to ensure all the children are able to access education,” Sugut assured.
He explained that the review aims to ensure fairness and equity, especially since over one million students are set to report for senior school in January 2026.
The new charges will also consider sports, arts, STEM and Social Sciences learning tracks to be introduced at senior school.
Sugut noted that charges will most likely vary per clusters of schools but maintained that accessibility and affordability are still at the top of the agenda.
“We aim to promote equity as we roll out the new framework. The final framework will take into account the unique needs of each pathway and school category,” he added.
The 2026 transition is a major point of reckoning for Kenya’s education reforms, as the country scales up the CBC at the senior school level.
Under the new system, candidates in Grades 10 to 12 will focus on practical learning aimed at honing their talent and skills.
Core subjects such as Kiswahili, English, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning will still be studied by students, while they pursue their career options of interest.
The three-year senior school level will provide learners with skills required to specialize in areas of interest before they join tertiary institutions or vocational training.
In 2023, the government of President William Ruto started reviewing the learning topics within the basic education system to simplify CBC.
Lower primary subjects were reduced from nine to seven, upper primary from ten to eight, and junior secondary from fourteen to nine.
New senior school fee structures are to be revealed following consultations, giving parents and schools ample notice to make preparations for the landmark 2026 transition.
