The Basic Education Bill 2026, introduced by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to reinforce the right to free and compulsory basic education for all Kenyan children. A key provision prohibits public schools from charging tuition fees to Kenyan students.
Under the new legislation, public schools seeking to impose additional fees must first obtain approval from the Education Cabinet Secretary. Tuition fees may still be applied to non-Kenyan learners.
Proposed Penalties for Violations
- Operating an unregistered private school could result in a fine of up to Sh20 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
- Preventing a child from attending school may attract a fine of up to Sh5 million or a jail term of five years.
- Charging unauthorized school fees can lead to a Sh1 million fine or three years in prison.
- Parents who fail to ensure their children's school attendance and individuals guilty of corporal punishment may also face fines and possible imprisonment.
The bill is part of broader efforts to guarantee access to quality education while curbing illegal fees and practices that hinder school attendance.
