Government Refutes Claims of Boarding Fee Increment
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed reports circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that the boarding fees for public secondary and senior schools have been increased.
Speaking in Machakos during the opening of KCSE Chemistry practical examination containers, Ogamba clarified that the official fee structure remains unchanged and continues to follow the rates set in the Kenya Gazette of 2015. He emphasized that the alleged increase to Sh53,000 per year was based on a misunderstanding of new education guidelines.
“The fee structure and the amount of capitation have not changed. We are still paying Sh1,500 for primary schools, Sh15,000 for junior secondary, and Sh22,240 annually for senior schools. It was just a misunderstanding of the new guidelines,” Ogamba stated.
The CS reiterated that the government remains committed to keeping education affordable and accessible for all learners in line with the current Free Day Secondary Education Policy.
Ogamba made the remarks while monitoring the distribution of Chemistry practical papers for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams at the Machakos Sub-county Education Offices. He later visited Mumbuni Girls Secondary School, where students were preparing for their practical examinations.
The CS praised the ongoing national examination exercise, noting that over 900,000 candidates across the country are sitting for the 2025 KCSE. He said the process had reached an advanced stage and commended most examination centres for maintaining high standards of integrity and organization.
However, Ogamba acknowledged 19 isolated cases of suspected exam malpractice reported in parts of Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Eastern regions. He revealed that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and security agencies, had taken immediate action, including the replacement of centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators involved.
He confirmed that mobile phones, photocopied materials, and other unauthorized items had been confiscated, while over 22 individuals had been arrested and prosecuted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for offences such as impersonation and early exposure of examination materials.
“The government maintains a policy of zero tolerance. All reported exam breaches remain under active multi-agency investigation, and appropriate sanctions will be enforced, including result cancellation and centre de-registration in accordance with the KNEC Act,” he said.
The CS underscored the importance of safeguarding the credibility and international recognition of the KCSE certificate, stating that it must continue to represent genuine academic achievement and readiness for higher learning or employment.
He called on the public to remain vigilant, support examination integrity, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“We urge the public to uphold integrity as the government remains fully committed to delivering secure and credible examinations. Vigilance will continue until the last paper is completed,” Ogamba added.
The CS’s reassurance comes amid widespread public concern over alleged fee hikes and examination integrity. His statement aims to restore confidence among parents and guardians as the national exams progress smoothly across the country.
