Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take disciplinary action against a Nairobi girls’ school principal after investigations uncovered unlawful fee charges imposed on parents.

In a letter dated April 29, 2026, addressed to acting TSC CEO Eveleen Mitei, Ogamba said findings from the Ministry of Education revealed that the school had introduced an unauthorised fee structure, significantly inflating the cost burden on parents.

According to the ministry’s assessment conducted on April 28, the school charged up to Sh120,179 per student—more than double the government-approved fee cap of Sh53,558.

“The institution implemented additional levies without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary, contrary to the law,” Ogamba stated.

“Such actions undermine government efforts to ensure affordability and fairness in access to education.”

The ministry noted that the revised charges were introduced without the mandatory approval required under Section 29(2)(b) of the Basic Education Act, rendering the fees illegal.

Investigations further revealed that the school administration approved a budget containing what officials described as “non-essential and unrealistic expenditures,” raising questions about financial discipline and adherence to policy guidelines.

“School heads are expected to uphold the law and protect parents from unjustified financial demands,” Ogamba added.

“Failure to comply with established regulations will attract firm disciplinary measures.”

The directive comes amid ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining school fees and eliminating arbitrary charges across public institutions.

In a Gazette notice issued on February 6, 2026, Ogamba introduced a revised fee structure for public senior schools to standardise costs and enhance transparency. Under the framework, day schools are fully funded by the government at Sh22,244 per student, covering tuition, co-curricular activities, medical insurance, and SMASSE programmes.

For boarding schools, parents are only required to pay within approved limits, with the government contributing Sh22,244 per learner depending on the school category.

“No parent should be subjected to hidden or inflated charges outside the approved framework,” Ogamba emphasised.

“We are committed to restoring accountability in the education sector.”

The ministry warned that the latest action signals stricter enforcement of fee regulations, cautioning that principals who defy government directives risk disciplinary action.

Education officials say the move is part of a broader effort to protect households from rising education costs while ensuring transparency and accountability in school management.