As schools prepare to reopen for second term on Monday, parents of learners in public primary and junior secondary schools are expressing growing concern over widespread illegal levies charged by learning institutions, despite government policy on free basic education.
A new survey by the Elimu Bora Working Group has revealed that over 90% of the schools sampled unlawfully charge admission fees, alongside other costs for desks, lockers, books, reams of printing paper, and even development projects.
The findings show that these hidden charges have become a major burden on parents, with some schools also demanding payments for remedial lessons — despite such classes being banned.
The survey, conducted between March and April 2025 and covering 370 public schools across all 47 counties, found that 85.7% of schools send learners home when they fail to pay these fees, a practice blamed for rising cases of school dropouts.
In addition to admission charges, between 45% and 55% of schools were found to require payments for textbooks, either in cash or through detailed shopping lists given to parents.
Furthermore, 58% of junior secondary schools and 40% of primary schools impose development levies, often disguised as contributions towards building classrooms, laboratories, or toilets.
Alarmingly, the survey revealed that about 89% of schools are compelling learners, particularly in upper primary and junior secondary levels, to attend paid remedial lessons. Most institutions reportedly do not issue receipts for these payments, making it difficult for parents to track their expenses or contest the illegal demands.
Elimu Bora Working Group has called on parents to resist making such payments and is urging the government to take firm action against schools exploiting families under the guise of development projects and educational support.”
These practices are not only illegal but undermine the right to free and compulsory basic education as enshrined in the Constitution,” the group said in a statement.The report paints a worrying picture as the second term begins, with urgent calls for stronger oversight and enforcement to protect the rights of learners and parents across the country.
