Sending Money for School Fees in Kenya: A Parent's Complete Guide
Paying school fees from abroad is one of the most common reasons Kenyans in the diaspora send money home. Whether it's primary school, secondary school, or university fees, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Understanding Kenya's School Fee System
School Calendar
Kenya operates on a three-term system:
| Term | Months | Fee Due Date |
| Term 1 | January - April | Early January |
| Term 2 | May - August | Early May |
| Term 3 | September - December | Early September |
Typical Fee Ranges (2024/2025)
| School Type | Annual Range (KES) | USD Equivalent |
| Public Primary | 5,000-20,000 | $40-160 |
| Private Primary | 50,000-300,000 | $400-2,400 |
| Public Secondary | 20,000-60,000 | $160-480 |
| Private Secondary | 100,000-500,000 | $800-4,000 |
| Public University | 50,000-150,000/year | $400-1,200 |
Best Ways to Pay School Fees
Option 1: M-Pesa to Family, Family Pays School
How It Works:
- Send money to family member's M-Pesa
- They pay school via Paybill or bank transfer
Best Provider: Sendwave or Remitly (fast M-Pesa delivery)
Option 2: Direct School Paybill Payment
Many providers now support direct Paybill payments:
- WorldRemit (some schools)
- Some local banks with diaspora services
Option 3: Bank Transfer to School Account
How It Works:
- Get school's bank account details
- Send via Wise or bank wire
- Money goes directly to school account
Best Provider: Wise (lowest fees for bank transfers)
Cost Comparison: Paying KES 100,000 ($800) in Fees
| Method | Provider | Fees | Exchange Loss | Total Cost |
| M-Pesa to family | Sendwave | $0 | ~$12 | ~$12 |
| M-Pesa to family | Remitly | $4 | ~$10 | ~$14 |
| Bank to school | Wise | $6 | ~$4 | ~$10 |
| Bank wire | US Bank | $45 | ~$30 | ~$75 |
Best Option: Wise bank transfer for large amounts, Sendwave for smaller amounts.
Timing Strategies
When to Send
Ideal: 1-2 weeks before fees due
- Allows time for any issues
- Catches favorable exchange rates
- School processes payment before deadline
Avoid: Last minute
- Exchange rates might be unfavorable
- Transfer delays could mean late fees
School Fee Payment Records
What to Keep
For each payment, save:
- Transfer confirmation/receipt
- Exchange rate at time of transfer
- School receipt (request from family or school)
- Fee breakdown from school
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay school fees directly with credit card?
Generally no. Kenyan schools don't accept international cards directly. Send to M-Pesa or bank, then pay.
Can I pay full year in advance?
Most schools accept this:
- Often get small discount
- Lock in current rates
- One transaction vs. three
Conclusion
Paying school fees from abroad doesn't have to be complicated:
- Plan ahead: Know deadlines and amounts
- Use the right provider: Wise for large amounts, Sendwave for smaller/urgent
- Keep records: Save all confirmations and receipts
- Communicate: Coordinate with family and school
Compare school fee transfer rates with our money transfer calculator.