Kenya’s Ministry of Education has unveiled a new funding structure for public secondary schools, set to begin in January 2026. The reform reduces government support for day schools and introduces a fixed annual fee for parents. The move comes as the government prepares to roll out senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Officials say the policy will ensure sustainable funding for education, but many Kenyans worry it will burden parents already struggling with the rising cost of living.
New Secondary School Funding Plan
Starting 2026, the capitation grant for day secondary students will drop from Sh22,244 to Sh12,870. Parents will now contribute Sh9,374 per year to cover school operations, utilities, and learning materials. The new plan applies to all public day schools nationwide. Boarding school parents will pay Sh53,554 annually, while learners with special needs will receive Sh32,600 in capitation. Parents in special needs day programs, however, will still pay Sh37,210 a year.
Officials say the new structure aligns with the demands of CBC. Senior school will require more learning materials, laboratories, and specialized teaching staff. The ministry argues that the current free day secondary education model is unsustainable under the new curriculum.
Government’s Position and Economic Pressures
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the government had no choice but to review education funding. He cited Kenya’s tough economic climate and limited national revenue. The growing number of students has stretched available resources. “We must strike a balance between expanding access and maintaining quality,” Machogu said. He assured parents that schools will accept installment payments to reduce pressure on families.
The ministry insists that no child will be sent home for lack of school fees. School heads will receive instructions to work with parents on flexible payment schedules. The government also plans to expand bursaries and scholarships for vulnerable learners through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and county education programs.
The Burden on Parents and Learners
Many families fear the new fees will make education less affordable. Kenya’s inflation has raised the cost of food, transport, and rent. Parents with multiple children in school face difficult choices. For low-income households, especially in rural and informal settlements, even small fee increases can be overwhelming.
Parents’ associations have voiced concern that the new model may increase dropout rates. Some children may be forced to stay at home, particularly those from marginalized areas. Advocacy groups argue that the government should find alternative funding sources rather than shift costs to parents. They warn that reducing capitation will widen inequality between wealthy and poor schools.
CBC Implementation and Infrastructure Demands
The funding cut comes as the CBC moves into its senior school phase. Under the new system, Grade 9 learners will enter senior school and choose from three pathways—academic, technical, or creative. This model emphasizes practical learning and aims to equip students with employable skills.
Implementing CBC has proven expensive. Schools need workshops, laboratories, and digital equipment. Teachers must undergo training to adapt to the new curriculum. The Ministry of Education says the cost-sharing approach will help schools meet these requirements. However, education experts warn that if not carefully managed, the reforms may create disparities between well-funded and under-resourced schools.
Teachers’ and Unions’ Reactions
Teachers’ unions have responded cautiously to the funding changes. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have urged the government to reconsider the reductions. They fear that fewer funds will strain school operations, reduce learning quality, and overburden teachers.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the government must protect education access for all children. He emphasized that funding cuts may compromise CBC implementation, which requires more resources, not fewer. KUPPET also called for better planning and consultation before the reforms take effect. They propose a phased rollout with targeted subsidies for poor households.
Education Advocates Demand Equity
Civil society groups and education advocates have criticized the policy as unfair to low-income families. They argue that the “free education” promise is being eroded. According to the Elimu Yetu Coalition, parents already contribute heavily through uniforms, exam fees, and development funds. Adding another fee will increase pressure on struggling households.
Critics also note that school infrastructure is still uneven. Urban schools tend to have better facilities, while rural schools rely on government funding for basic needs. The new cost-sharing plan may deepen this divide. Education experts say the state must ensure equal access to quality education across all counties.
Government’s Response to Criticism
Despite the backlash, the government maintains that the new model is a realistic response to financial realities. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the ministry will increase accountability in how schools use funds. All headteachers must submit quarterly financial reports to prevent misuse and ensure transparency. He added that funding will be distributed based on accurate enrollment data to reduce inefficiencies.
The government also promises to continue investing in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and digital learning. Kipsang said ongoing projects under the National Education Infrastructure Fund will equip schools with new classrooms, workshops, and internet connectivity to support CBC.
Broader Economic Context
Kenya’s education sector takes up over a quarter of the national budget, yet rising debt and revenue shortfalls have made the system difficult to sustain. The Treasury has urged all ministries to cut non-essential spending. With external funding declining and debt repayments increasing, the government says cost-sharing is the only practical option.
Economists agree that the reforms reflect fiscal necessity but warn of potential social consequences. If education becomes unaffordable for poor families, the gains made in literacy and human development could stall. They recommend expanding targeted aid, enforcing transparency, and strengthening partnerships with private sponsors to maintain inclusivity.
The Path Ahead for Education
As 2026 approaches, Kenya faces a delicate balancing act between financial discipline and educational equity. The government must ensure that the new fees do not push children out of school. Parents, teachers, and civil society will play a critical role in holding institutions accountable and advocating for fairness.
For CBC to succeed, schools need proper funding, trained teachers, and adequate facilities. The new cost-sharing plan must therefore be backed by strong oversight and continuous assessment. If implemented responsibly, it could stabilize the system and ensure that every learner benefits from quality education. However, if mismanaged, it risks excluding thousands of students and reversing progress toward universal education.
