Popular Nairobi School Under Pressure as Parents Challenge New Fees

Parklands Baptist School has been given seven days to withdraw its 2026 tuition fee increase or face legal action from parents and guardians, who argue that the decision was made without consultation and in breach of the law.

The dispute relates to a fee adjustment announced in April, which increased tuition fees by an average of 14.5 percent across all year groups. Kindergarten fees rose from KSh152,500 to KSh177,500, while Grade 9 fees increased from KSh191,500 to KSh217,000. 

Parents say the school introduced the new charges without adequate notice or explanation, contrary to the Basic Education Act, which requires schools to involve parents in financial planning and decisions affecting learners' welfare. A demand letter issued on Thursday, 16 July, states that the school's Board of Management must reverse the increase within seven days or face court proceedings. 

Lawyers acting for the parents say they will seek orders to stop the revised fees from taking effect, require the school to refund any additional amounts already paid, and pursue damages against the school, the board and its officials. The letter also questions whether the board was properly constituted when it approved the new fees, raising concerns about the validity of the decision.

The letter states: "Should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply within the time stipulated, we have firm instructions to institute proceedings against the School, the BOM and its officers without further reference to you."

Parents are also asking the school to restore the 2025 fee structure while the matter is resolved, refund any excess payments collected, and ensure that no learner faces disruption or retaliation because of the dispute. They are further calling for fresh consultations involving the Board of Management, the Parents Teachers Association and the wider parent community before any future fee changes are introduced.

The dispute comes as many families continue to face rising living costs, making it more difficult to meet education expenses. It also follows a similar case at Alliance Girls' High School earlier this year, where unauthorised fee increases resulted in disciplinary action against the principal and the dissolution of the school's board.