Govt Imposes Friday Deadline for Grade 10 Admission, Warns Principals of Dismissal
The government has issued a firm directive to secondary school principals to ensure the full admission of Grade 10 learners by the end of this week, warning that headteachers who block students over school fees or uniforms risk disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba delivered the warning on Sunday, January 26, during a public address in Kisii County, as the government intensified efforts to achieve a 100 per cent transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
According to Ogamba, the transition rate currently stands at 92 per cent, with about eight per cent of eligible learners yet to report to their assigned schools. He said the remaining students must be admitted by Friday, January 30, regardless of their financial situation.
“Any teacher who will decline to admit a student simply because the learner does not have school fees or a uniform should be ready to go back to school themselves,” Ogamba said, signalling possible removal from office for non-compliant principals.
The CS stressed that denying learners access to education undermines government policy and constitutional guarantees on the right to basic education. He added that the ministry would work with other government agencies to resolve challenges related to fees and uniforms once learners are already in school.
Ogamba’s remarks were echoed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who spoke at a separate event in Kericho County. Kindiki reiterated that no child should be locked out of school due to poverty, assuring parents that the government is developing practical solutions to support affected families.
“Those who do not have uniforms and school fees should still go to school. Let the learners report first, and then we shall address the other issues,” Kindiki said.
Earlier reports had raised concern after transition rates were estimated at about 75 per cent, prompting the government to roll out a nationwide mop-up operation. In response, the Ministry of Interior coordinated door-to-door campaigns involving chiefs, assistant chiefs, and other local administrators to trace learners who had not reported to Junior Secondary School (JSS) or Senior Secondary School.
In a statement issued on January 18, the ministry said the exercise aimed to eliminate barriers preventing children from joining school, particularly in marginalised and low-income communities.
“Government actors and parents are strengthening bursary mobilisation, counselling and re-entry support, community engagement through local leadership structures, and faster placement guidance,” the ministry said.
The government has also announced plans to channel bursaries and scholarships through county governments to ensure targeted support reaches vulnerable learners. Officials say the decentralised approach will help reduce cases of financial exclusion and delays in accessing school funding.
President William Ruto has also weighed in on the issue, issuing a directive aimed at easing uniform-related challenges. Speaking in Meru on Thursday, January 22, the President said students facing financial difficulties should be allowed to report to senior secondary schools wearing their JSS uniforms.
“I am informed that many students have not reported to school due to lack of school fees and uniforms. I direct parents and every chief to ensure that each child reports to school regardless of these requirements,” Ruto said.
Education stakeholders say the government’s firm stance underscores the significance of the Grade 10 transition, which marks a critical stage in the CBC system. However, some school administrators have expressed concerns over overcrowding and delayed disbursement of capitation funds, challenges the Ministry of Education says it is addressing.
As the Friday deadline approaches, the government has urged parents, school heads, and local leaders to work together to ensure no learner is left behind, warning that enforcement measures will be taken against those who undermine the policy.
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Govt Imposes Friday Deadline for Grade 10 Admission, Warns Principals of Dismissal
