In a reassuring statement to parents across the country, President William Ruto has affirmed that high school fees will not see an increase. This declaration came during his presence at the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) kickoff event, held at Kikuyu Township Primary School in Kiambu County on a Monday morning.
Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, who was also present at the event, confirmed the President's commitment to keeping high school fees unchanged, ensuring that all KCPE candidates would secure slots in high schools.
As a result of this decision, students proceeding to national and extra-county schools will continue to pay an annual fee of Ksh53,000, while those admitted to county schools will be required to pay Ksh45,000.
Machogu stated, "I have confirmed that exams have gone to all schools, and Your Excellency, I would like to assure Kenyans that your government is not increasing the fees when they go to Form 1. All of the candidates are going to be placed in Form 1."
He added, "The school fees is Ksh53,000 for national and extra-county schools and Ksh45,000 for county schools."
Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted that a total of 1,415,315 pupils had registered to sit for the national exams. This year's KCPE marks the final administration of the examination, which has been a significant milestone in Kenya's education system since its inception in 1985. In addition, Machogu confirmed that all candidates sitting for the inaugural Kenya Primary School Education Assessment would proceed to Grade 7.
President Ruto, addressing the students at the event, assured them that the government had secured opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their performance in the national examinations.
"Be confident and do your best. Carry out the exam knowing very well we have an opportunity for each and every child of Kenya as you move to the next stage," he told the young candidates.
He further emphasized, "There is no child in Kenya who will not have a place to move on and progress their education to the next level. That is the confidence I want every child in Kenya to know."
Prior to this announcement, parents had expressed concerns about the pressure from school principals who were attempting to increase school fees due to the rising cost of living. These principals were reportedly resorting to underhanded tactics, such as inflating the cost of school uniforms and compelling parents to purchase supplies from specific shops.
