How to Compare School Fees and Additional Charges in Kenya

The short answer: for each school, work out the total for one full year, for your child's grade, counting only the charges you will actually pay. Then add one-time charges separately. Comparing termly tuition alone is misleading.

Why fee comparisons go wrong

Schools present fees in different ways. One shows tuition per term, another per year, another a single "all-inclusive" figure. Some list transport and meals separately; others include them. Comparing the headline figures side by side often compares different things.

Step 1: Use the same grade

Fees usually change between grades, and often rise at the start of a new level. Always ask for the fee for the grade your child will be in, not the school's lowest fee. On FindSchoolKenya, school profiles show the fee for the grade you searched for.

Step 2: Turn everything into a yearly figure

Most Kenyan schools have three terms a year. To compare:

• Per term: multiply by the number of terms (usually 3).
• Per year: use as it is.
• Monthly: multiply by the months the school charges for — ask, because some charge 12 months and others only term months.

Step 3: Separate compulsory and optional charges

Ask the school to mark each charge as compulsory or optional. Typical items include:

• Tuition — always compulsory.
• Meals — compulsory at some schools, optional at others.
• Transport — optional, but compulsory for you if your child needs it. Ask for the price for your area.
• Activities and clubs — some included, some extra.
• Examination or assessment fees.
• Technology or ICT fees.
• Boarding fees, for boarders.

Add the compulsory items plus the optional ones your family will really use.

Step 4: List one-time charges separately

One-time charges are paid once, often at admission. Ask about:

• Admission or registration fees.
• Interview or assessment fees.
• Development or building funds.
• Refundable deposits — and the conditions for getting them back.
• Uniform, books and starter kits.

Keep these in a separate column so they don't distort the yearly comparison.

Step 5: Ask about increases and payment terms

• How have fees changed over the last few years?
• When are fees due, and are instalments allowed?
• Are there sibling discounts?
• What happens if fees are paid late?

A simple comparison table

For each school, write down: grade, yearly tuition, yearly compulsory extras, yearly optional extras you'll use, one-time charges, and the total for the first year. The school with the lowest tuition is not always the cheapest once everything is added.

Public schools

Public schools receive government funding, but parents may still be asked to pay for some items such as boarding, meals or uniform. Check current Ministry of Education guidance on what public schools may charge, and ask the school for its list in writing.

Get it in writing

Always ask for the fee structure as a printed or PDF document, dated, for the current year. Fees on any website — including FindSchoolKenya — are provided by schools and can change, so confirm before you pay.

Ready to compare? Search schools by budget for your child's grade.