The High Court has upheld the authority of private schools to increase tuition fees, provided the institutions follow the procedures required by law.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to court documents obtained by Kenyans.co.ke , the ruling followed a petition by two parents challenging a private institutions’ six per cent fee increase for the 2026/2027 academic year.

However, the court dismissed the petition, affirming the school’s decision, with each party ordered to bear its own costs.

“The 1st Respondent being a private institution retains autonomy and power to maintain standards in the course of studies which confers it the authority to increase fees payable as long as procedure is followed. I therefore uphold the decision of the 1st Respondent,” the judgement stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The parents argued that the revised charges were introduced without meaningful consultation through a legally recognised Parents Association.

They also questioned the legality and functioning of the parents’ body, citing requirements under the Basic Education Act.

The school disputed the claims, maintaining that the increase was approved during an Annual General Meeting held in May.

It told the court that parents and learners participated in the meeting and that notice of the revised fees was issued about three months before implementation.

The institution attributed the increase to higher operating costs, staff remuneration, learning resources, technology, maintenance and facility improvements.

It further maintained that its relationship with parents was contractual and that, as a private institution, it retained autonomy over its operations and fees.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke