The Ministry of Education has announced plans to merge several secondary schools recording low student enrollment. Officials say the move aims to improve resource use and strengthen learning institutions nationwide.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok revealed the plan while speaking during a public event on Saturday, March 15. He said the government intends to convert some underutilized schools into facilities that serve communities more effectively.
Expanding Capacity in Larger Schools
Bitok explained that authorities will expand the capacity of schools with higher student enrollment. The government plans to construct additional dormitories, classrooms, and learning facilities to accommodate more students.
He added that learners affected by the merger will transition to larger schools with adequate facilities. Officials believe this approach will improve learning conditions and ensure better distribution of education resources.
“We must rethink the role of many small schools and determine the best way forward,” Bitok stated. He said authorities may convert some institutions while expanding stronger schools across the country.
Investment in Education Infrastructure
The principal secretary said the government will increase investment across the education system. Officials plan to provide improved laboratories, more dormitories, and adequate teachers in public schools.
According to Bitok, the goal involves ensuring every learner studies in a well-equipped institution. The government wants students across Kenya to experience quality education regardless of their location.
Unclear Timeline for School Mergers
However, Bitok did not provide a clear timeline for implementing the school merger plan. He also avoided detailing what specific functions the converted institutions will serve after the changes.
Education stakeholders continue monitoring the proposal closely as authorities review enrollment patterns. Many schools across the country face serious challenges linked to declining student numbers.
Schools Struggle With Low Enrollment
Earlier this year, several secondary schools experienced a crisis after extremely low student transitions into Grade 10. Many institutions reopened expecting learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum but found classrooms nearly empty.
The situation affected numerous category four schools previously known as sub-county schools. Some institutions reportedly opened their doors but failed to admit even a single student.
Headteachers Blame Placement System
Headteachers from affected schools blame the new placement system for the poor student turnout. Many learners placed in the schools reportedly come from distant regions, discouraging them from reporting.
School administrators also criticized the government’s transfer window for students wishing to change schools. They argue the review and transfer process further complicated enrollment planning.
Some Schools Face Overcrowding
While some schools struggled with empty classrooms, others recorded overwhelming student demand. Several institutions admitted students beyond capacity and even turned away parents holding valid placement letters.
Highly ranked schools reportedly received more learners than available admission slots. The imbalance created pressure in popular institutions while smaller schools remained underutilized.
Government Concern Over Ghost Schools
Last October, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba raised concerns about so-called ghost schools. He warned that some institutions reportedly operate with extremely small student populations.
Ogamba said several schools in government records reportedly have fewer than ten learners. Authorities believe merging such institutions will improve transparency in capitation funding across the education sector.
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