The education ministry has also banned state schools from seeking contributions from parents.
Free government primary education was introduced in 2002, and from January the annual fees of $19 (Sh1,900) will be abolished at secondary level too.
Most state schools request contributions of about $100 (Sh10,000) a year, which many cannot afford.
The country’s new President John Magufuli has promised to overhaul the education sector, where standards are low and resources stretched in state schools.
Parents who can afford it, opt to send their children to private schools, where they have a better chance of passing national examinations.But the government is worried that some private institutions charge parents for services they do not deliver.
REVIEW
Education Commissioner Eustela Bhalausesa said private schools will submit their intended fees for next year for review from December 16
Murinde Kitururu, who represents private school owners, said they were worried the government did not understand the true cost of running a school.
But he promised to cooperate with the education authorities and attempt to negotiate.
The ban on contributions at state schools will come as a relief to parents, but will leave headteachers further stretched as they try to run their schools.