In recent weeks, the Mang’u High School fees structure for 2025 has ignited a firestorm of controversy across Kenya, as parents and the public have expressed outrage over what they perceive to be exorbitant fees. The fees structure, which includes a mix of standard charges and additional levies, has left many families struggling to come to terms with the steep costs. With fees reaching as high as Ksh. 99,636 for a year, concerns about the affordability of secondary education have come to the forefront of national discussions.
Mang’u High School, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country, has long been known for its academic excellence. However, its new fees structure has raised serious questions about the sustainability of its pricing model and the potential burden it places on families. In this article, we will take a closer look at the breakdown of the fees, the public outcry, and the potential consequences of such high school fees in the Kenyan educational landscape.
The Breakdown of Mang’u High School’s 2025 Fees Structure
The controversy surrounding Mang’u High School’s fees structure centers around a significant increase in both standard fees and additional levies. A deeper dive into the various components of the fees reveals a number of charges that have raised eyebrows.
- Boarding Equipment and Stores (B.E.S.): Ksh. 46,000 This charge is one of the largest components of the fees and covers the cost of boarding equipment, stores, and supplies required by students. At Ksh. 46,000 per term, this amount is significantly higher than what many parents expected.
- Tuition Fees: Ksh. 11,100 The tuition fee has remained relatively stable, though parents are quick to point out that even this charge has contributed to the overall rise in fees.
- Personal Emolument: Ksh. 3,422 Personal emolument covers the salaries of teachers and staff who provide essential academic services. This fee, which is spread across the three terms, amounts to over Ksh. 9,000 annually per student.
- Electricity, Water, and Conservancy: Ksh. 6,100 With the rise in utility costs across the country, many schools, including Mang’u, have included utility charges to their fee structure. At Ksh. 6,100 per term, this cost is a significant addition to the overall fee.
- Administration Costs: Ksh. 2,580 This fee covers administrative expenses, including salaries of non-teaching staff, office supplies, and other operational costs.
- Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement: Ksh. 11,800 The school charges a fee for the repair and maintenance of its infrastructure. This includes everything from the upkeep of classrooms to more significant improvements to the school’s facilities.
- Medical and Insurance: Ksh. 2,000 Mang’u High School also includes a medical and insurance levy to cover any health-related issues or emergencies that may arise during the term.
- Development Fee: Ksh. 9,000 In addition to the standard fees, parents are also required to pay a development fee of Ksh. 9,000. This is meant for the development and expansion of the school’s infrastructure, which has been a point of contention due to its significant burden on parents.
- Improvement Levy: Ksh. 9,400 Another controversial fee is the improvement levy, which amounts to Ksh. 9,400 per term. This charge is meant for the school’s ongoing efforts to improve its facilities and academic programs.
- Other Fees:
- Activity Fee: Ksh. 7,000
- Local Transport and Travel: Ksh. 1,500
- Books and Learning Materials: Ksh. 4,000
Altogether, the total cost for a single term at Mang’u High School amounts to Ksh. 99,636, a figure that is both staggering and concerning for many parents across the country.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The news of Mang’u High School’s fees structure has sparked widespread public outrage, particularly among parents of students attending the institution. Many parents have taken to social media, local forums, and even public demonstrations to voice their dissatisfaction with what they deem “outrageous” charges.
Social Media Outcry: On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, parents have expressed frustration over the perceived greed of school administrators, accusing them of burdening hardworking families with unreasonable fees. Some have pointed out that the fees at Mang’u High School are far above the national average for secondary education, which raises the question of whether the school is becoming inaccessible to students from less affluent backgrounds.
Parents are also expressing concerns over the lack of transparency in how the additional levies, such as the development fee and improvement levy, are being spent. Many are calling for greater accountability and more detailed breakdowns of the use of these funds.
Educational Inequality: The high cost of attending a prestigious school like Mang’u is a reflection of the larger issue of educational inequality in Kenya. While some students are able to attend elite schools with high fees, many others in rural areas or from lower-income families are left with limited access to quality education. Critics argue that the rising cost of education is further entrenching social and economic disparities in the country.
The high fees have also led to calls for a national conversation about the regulation of school fees. As it stands, there is no clear government mandate on how much schools can charge, which has led to an increase in arbitrary fee hikes at both private and public institutions.
What Are the Alternatives for Parents?
While Mang’u High School remains one of the most prestigious schools in Kenya, the fees associated with attending the school are becoming increasingly difficult for many families to afford. As a result, parents are exploring alternative options for their children’s education.
Public Schools: Kenya’s public schools, particularly those that offer free secondary education, are becoming an attractive alternative. While public schools still have some fees, they are significantly lower than those charged by schools like Mang’u. Parents looking for more affordable education for their children may consider enrolling their children in well-established public schools, many of which offer quality education.
Private Schools: In addition to Mang’u, there are many other private schools in Kenya that offer quality education at a more reasonable cost. These schools may not have the same long-standing reputation as Mang’u, but they offer competitive academic programs and extracurricular activities. Parents who are unable to afford Mang’u’s high fees may consider exploring other private schools with more manageable fee structures.
Boarding and Day School Alternatives: Many parents are also opting for day schools rather than boarding schools. This can be a more affordable option, as boarding fees tend to be the highest component of the overall school fees. Day schools, while not necessarily as prestigious as Mang’u, can still offer quality education with lower fees.
The Need for Fee Regulation in Kenya’s Education Sector
The debate surrounding Mang’u High School’s fee structure brings to light a larger issue: the need for better regulation of school fees in Kenya. While the government has made strides in improving access to education through the provision of free primary and secondary education, the increasing cost of education at the secondary level is becoming a significant barrier for many families.
The Ministry of Education has a role to play in ensuring that school fees remain affordable and that there is transparency in how funds are allocated. Additionally, more stringent regulations should be put in place to prevent schools from charging arbitrary fees, especially those that place undue financial strain on parents.
The Growing Burden of School Fees in Kenya
The outcry over Mang’u High School’s fees structure highlights a growing concern among Kenyan parents: the rising cost of education. While Mang’u High School remains one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, its exorbitant fees have caused many parents to question whether quality education should come at such a high price.
As the conversation continues, it is clear that there is an urgent need for greater regulation of school fees in Kenya, as well as a more inclusive approach to ensuring that education remains accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. For now, parents who are struggling with the costs have to weigh their options carefully and consider alternatives that provide quality education without the crushing financial burden.
