The school fees burden that awaits parents after mid-term break

Students in Nakuru report back to school after holidays. [File, Standard]

As learners break for mid-term this week, thousands of parents are grappling with anxiety over mounting fee demands that threaten to lock students out of classrooms.

In numerous secondary schools, parents say they have received instructions requiring learners to return only after clearing full first-term fees and any outstanding arrears.

Through a mid-term communication from a school in Nairobi, parents have been instructed to clear all pending fees.

“This is to remind you that learners will break for midterm tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after classes. Students are expected to report back on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2pm. Kindly ensure that all outstanding school fees are fully cleared upon return from midterm,” reads a statement from the school.

National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa noted that despite government directives aimed at cushioning households from excessive school levies, many boards of management (BOMs) have reportedly devised subtle mechanisms to push additional financial obligations onto parents.

“They are now citing the financial strain brought about by the transition to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE). We are paying what we can afford. Let schools understand us,” Obuhatsa said.

Paul Maina, a parent in Kiambu County whose child is in Grade 10, is urging the government to intervene.  

“They have told us clearly that no student will be allowed back unless fees are paid in full. We were barely surviving before half-term. Now they want everything cleared immediately,” he said.

The pressure comes at a time when families are struggling with high living costs, increased taxation, and dwindling incomes. For parents with more than one child in school, the burden is even heavier.

While the government has repeatedly warned public schools against imposing unauthorized levies, parents say some institutions have introduced indirect charges, from development fees and activity charges to ICT levies framed as necessary adjustments due to the Grade 10 transition.

Under the CBC system, the pioneer Grade 10 cohort has introduced new curriculum demands, including specialized learning pathways, upgraded facilities, additional instructional materials, and in some cases, remodeling of classrooms to accommodate practical subjects.

School heads argue that these changes have come with unforeseen costs.

“The reality is that implementing the new curriculum requires infrastructure, equipment, and teacher support,” said a principal of a school in Nairobi who requested anonymity.

“We are expected to deliver quality education, but the funding provided does not match the actual costs.”

However, Jane Wairimu, a parent with a student in Nakuru, argues that they are being unfairly burdened with costs that should be covered by the government.

“They call it a ‘top-up’ or ‘activity facilitation,’ but it is still extra money. The circulars say no additional levies, but schools are finding creative ways around it,” Wairimu said.

Principals, on their part, say schools are themselves under immense financial strain. 

According to several heads of schools interviewed by The Standard many institutions are grappling with significant debts, some owed by former students who completed their studies but never cleared fee balances.