Fuel hike sparks fear of higher school fees, transport costs

Parents could face higher school transport and possibly fee charges when learners report for the second term, following the latest fuel price increase that is already straining household budgets.

In the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), fuel prices were sharply increased on April 14, with petrol rising to Sh206.97 per litre, diesel to Sh206.84, and kerosene to Sh152.78 per litre.

The adjustment, which took effect this week, is expected to push up the  cost of transport and basic goods, adding pressure on families already struggling with the high cost of living.

Messages from parents at various schools indicate that transport charges could rise when schools reopen, as operators adjust fares to reflect the higher fuel costs.

“As we prepare to reopen for the second term, we wish to inform you that recent increases in fuel prices have led to a rise in transportation and general operational costs. As a result, there may be adjustments to school transport charges and related expenses to ensure the continued smooth running of school programmes,” the message reads.

School transport, which is largely outsourced or privately arranged, is among the first areas to feel the impact of fuel price changes.

Parents now fear that the ripple effect could extend beyond transport, triggering broader increases in school fees.

Schools are set to reopen for the second term on April 27, according to the Ministry of Education academic calendar.

The timing places additional strain on families, who must prepare fees and other requirements within a short period after the April holiday.

They argue that schools will have little choice but to pass on the higher cost of goods and services, including food, electricity, and other essential supplies.

The National Parents Association is now calling on the government to cushion families from a possible rise in school fees, warning that the sharp increase in fuel prices could push education further out of reach for many households.

They say the cost of living is already high, and any additional charges by schools would place an unbearable burden on families.

“We understand schools are struggling, but parents are also overwhelmed. There needs to be a balance so that children are not sent home because of fees,” said Silas Obuhatsa, National Parents Association chairman.

The concern over rising costs comes as secondary schools continue to grapple with funding challenges.

School administrators note that the fuel price hike is expected to push up the cost of transporting food, learning materials, and other essential supplies to schools.

School heads are now calling for the timely release of capitation funds, warning that delays could worsen the financial strain on institutions already facing rising operational costs.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) chairman Willy Kuria said schools are already struggling and the situation is likely to worsen following the sharp increase in fuel prices.

They argue that capitation remains the backbone of public secondary school financing, covering key areas such as tuition, maintenance, and learning materials.

The heads warn that without prompt release of funds by the Ministry of Education when institutions reopen, schools may find it difficult to operate smoothly in the second term.

“Schools are already under pressure from delayed capitation, and now with fuel costs going up, the situation is becoming unsustainable. We are being forced to run institutions without the necessary funds, yet expectations remain the same,” Kuria said.

KESSHA has in recent years pushed the government to allow schools to charge additional fees, saying current capitation levels are insufficient to run institutions effectively.

Under current Ministry of Education guidelines, public secondary schools are required to operate within set fee limits, with national schools expected to charge Sh53,544, while extra-county and county schools are set at Sh45,544.

However, principals say the funds disbursed often fall short, forcing schools to look for alternative ways to meet operational costs.

The situation has been further complicated by delays in capitation and rising prices of essential commodities, including food items used in school feeding programmes.