School heads across the country now risk dismissal if found charging or turning away Grade 10 students over lack of school fees or uniforms, as the government intensifies efforts to ensure a 100 per cent transition to senior secondary school.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a firm warning to principals, stating that any school administrator who blocks learners from attending classes will face disciplinary action, including possible sacking. Speaking in Kisii on Sunday, January 26, Ogamba directed that all Grade 10 learners must be admitted and settled in class by Friday, January 30, regardless of their financial situation.
According to the CS, 92 per cent of eligible learners have already reported to their respective schools, and the government is confident the remaining 8 per cent will be enrolled by the end of the week. He emphasised that denying students access to education due to unpaid fees or lack of uniform goes against government policy.
“Any teacher who will decline to admit a student just because the student does not have school fees or a uniform should also be ready to go back to school,” Ogamba warned.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the directive during a separate address in Kericho, insisting that full Grade 10 transition is non-negotiable. He assured parents and school heads that the government is putting in place mechanisms to support learners from vulnerable families.
“Those without uniforms or school fees should still report to school. Once students are in class, we shall handle the other issues,” Kindiki said.
Earlier reports had shown that the transition rate stood at about 75 per cent, prompting intensified mop-up operations. On January 18, the Ministry of Interior revealed that government officials had begun door-to-door inspections to trace learners yet to join Junior or Senior Secondary Schools.
The ministry added that scholarships and bursaries will be channelled through county governments to cushion needy families. President William Ruto has also directed that learners facing financial hardship be allowed to report wearing their Junior Secondary School uniforms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive access to education.