The Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG)’s 2026 Illegal School Levies Survey has exposed a systemic crisis in Kenya’s public secondary education system, where 98% of surveyed households reported paying or anticipating illegal charges. The report, based on 388 responses from 12 counties, highlights that additional fees—such as development, activity, ICT, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), remedial tuition, and motivation levies—are widespread, pushing families to the brink of financial distress. Over 60% of respondents earned less than Sh30,000 monthly, with 49.2% of households expected to pay remedial or motivation fees in 2026, up from 37.4% in 2025. Activity levies are projected to rise from 27.3% to 39.9%, while ICT levies could jump from 7.5% to 21.6% as schools transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The financial burden extends beyond tuition, with boarding school fees averaging Sh62,715—17% above the official cap of Sh53,554—and day schools charging around Sh20,619 despite being designated as free. Parents also face steep costs for uniforms and bedding, with admission kits averaging Sh22,050, equivalent to 41% of annual fees. Some families reported paying up to Sh54,857 for a single boarding uniform set, as schools often mandate purchases from designated vendors, stifling competition. The report noted that 28 households anticipated paying over Sh100,000 for boarding, excluding additional expenses like uniforms and bedding.
The survey found that 61.6% of respondents deemed levies unaffordable, while only 19.1% felt consulted before charges were imposed. Transparency in fund usage was lacking, with 58.2% of respondents receiving no explanation for how levies were spent. Over 87% of parents never lodged complaints, citing fear of retaliation against their children. Consequences for learners were severe: 64.9% of day-school respondents and 40.5% of boarding-school respondents reported students being sent home or excluded from activities due to unpaid fees. Examination access was also compromised, with 51.1% of day-school families and 29.3% of boarding-school families noting missed exams.
A parent from Baringo County described the dilemma: “The family is struggling between buying basic needs and paying the illegal fees. Once you don’t pay, your child and you as a parent are victimised.” The report found that two-thirds of parents faced verbal demands, and 44.3% were threatened with exclusion. The EBWG emphasized that the issue is systemic, with illegal levies reported across all counties and school types. It called for a national audit of fee structures, sanctions for noncompliant institutions, and refunds for affected families.
The report urged schools to provide clear information on gazetted fees, end single-vendor uniform contracts, and ensure transparency in procurement. It also recommended establishing a national levy database to track the crisis and strengthen enforcement. “The problem is not a lack of law; it is a lack of enforcement,” the report stated. However, the EBWG cautioned that findings are indicative, as the survey used a non-probability sample and self-reported data. The study focused on payments made in 2025 and expected in 2026, covering boarding, day, and mixed schools in clusters C1 to C4.
The findings underscore a growing disconnect between policy and practice, as families grapple with unregulated charges that undermine the principle of free education. With 61% of households earning below Sh30,000 monthly, the financial strain is exacerbating inequality and threatening access to education. The EBWG’s recommendations aim to address systemic gaps, but their success hinges on robust implementation and accountability. As the CBC rollout intensifies, the pressure on families is expected to rise, demanding urgent intervention to protect students from exclusion and financial exploitation.
The Kenya News Agency (KNA) reported this story, drawing on the Elimu Bora Working Group’s 2026 Illegal School Levies Survey. The report highlights the urgent need for policy enforcement and transparency to ensure equitable access to secondary education in Kenya.