Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba warned school principals that blocking Grade 10 transition will lead to job losses. He instructed all heads to ensure learners join classes immediately regardless of fees or uniform status.
Speaking in Kisii on Sunday, January 26, Ogamba confirmed ninety-two percent of learners had reported to schools. He said the government will track the remaining eight percent and ensure full attendance by Friday, January 30.
The CS emphasised that denying learners admission over fees or uniforms violates regulations. He warned principals that failing to comply will result in disciplinary action and potential termination.
Ogamba said the transition forms a cornerstone of education reforms under the new system. He explained that early disruption could cause inequality and affect learning outcomes nationwide.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki supported the directive during an event in Kericho County. He stressed that admission must happen first, while financial or uniform issues should follow later.
Kindiki assured parents that the government will provide uniforms and support bursaries for vulnerable students. He said officials will deploy strategies to resolve financial challenges without delaying school entry.
The Deputy President repeated that all students, regardless of uniform or fee status, must attend classes immediately. He noted that discussions on payments should happen only after learners settle into school.
Earlier government updates indicated that the transition rate stood at seventy-five percent nationally. Authorities said this low rate prompted nationwide mop-up operations to trace students yet to report.
Government teams conducted door-to-door campaigns in multiple counties to locate learners not yet in Junior or Senior Secondary Schools. Officials coordinated with parents, local leaders, and education officers to remove barriers to enrollment.
In a statement on Sunday, January 18, the Ministry of Interior confirmed ongoing tracing efforts. It said officials worked with county governments to ensure no learner misses the Grade 10 transition.
The ministry said it will channel scholarships and bursaries through county governments. This approach targets vulnerable students and prevents financial exclusion during the transition period.
Officials added that county structures will help identify learners needing immediate support. They said community engagement will strengthen enrolment and maintain transparency in bursary distribution.
The ministry highlighted enhanced counselling services for students facing social or economic challenges. Officials also expanded placement guidance to prevent confusion among parents and learners.
President William Ruto addressed the issue in Meru County on Thursday, January 22. He ordered children from low-income families to report to senior schools immediately, wearing JSS uniforms if necessary.
Ruto said every chief and parent must ensure learners attend school without delay. He emphasised that access to education is a constitutional right that no family income should block.
The President framed the Grade 10 transition as critical for the competence-based curriculum rollout. He noted that delays could undermine education reforms and widen inequality among learners.
Education officers said county governments will manage bursary mobilization using verified local data. Chiefs and principals will provide accurate lists of learners requiring immediate support.
Officials warned that principals refusing admission without valid reasons could face transfers or dismissal. They said enforcement will protect learners’ rights and uphold national education goals.
Education experts said early and flexible transitions improve retention and reduce dropout rates. They cautioned that rigid enforcement of fees or uniforms can reverse enrollment gains.
Teachers’ unions urged cooperation between parents, schools, and government agencies. They recommended calm and smooth implementation to avoid conflict during admissions.
Parents across counties welcomed government efforts but requested faster bursary disbursement and clear communication from schools. Civil society groups said they will monitor compliance to prevent learner exclusion.
Education analysts said the Grade 10 transition will influence public confidence in the new education system. They emphasised that consistent enforcement is key to building trust among parents and students.
The Ministry of Education stated that unified implementation guarantees universal attendance. Officials promised weekly progress reports until authorities verify that all learners have joined schools.
Authorities said the transition push supports broader goals of reducing national dropout rates. They explained that sustained enrollment improves social mobility and long-term economic outcomes.
Community leaders and elders intensified mobilisation campaigns urging parents to send children to school immediately. Religious groups joined in spreading awareness on the importance of uninterrupted learning.
As the January 30 deadline approaches, pressure increases on schools lagging in compliance. Education officers have increased supervision visits and enrollment verification across counties.
Government stakeholders said successful Grade 10 transition will determine future policy decisions. They warned that failure to comply would expose weaknesses in funding coordination and planning.
Officials reiterated zero tolerance for exclusionary practices that deny learners access to school. They urged all principals and parents to prioritise children’s rights and learning continuity.
The coming days will reveal the capacity of education authorities to enforce full Grade 10 transition nationwide. Officials expressed confidence that all learners will report and settle in their schools within the deadline.
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