Parents taking their Grade 10 children to report in senior schools in Homa Bay have raised concerns over high costs and logistical challenges associated with the ongoing admission requirements.
Speaking during the admission exercise in Homa Bay High School, Wilfred Osao, whose child sat his examination in Machakos County but was posted to Homa Bay High through the government’s placement, described the process as generally smooth but noted several gaps.
“We received both the government letter and the school letter. However, when you compare the two, there are some differences,” Osao explained.
He said that the government letter required parents to purchase textbooks, yet upon arrival at the school, they discovered that books were already provided.
“We were not informed in the government letter that the school provides textbooks. There are also other items the school required that were not indicated in the government letter. That caused some confusion,” he said.
These concerns were also reiterated by Jaramogi Obondo, who said the process was orderly but burdensome for many families.
Obondo also highlighted confusion surrounding placement and calling letters, noting that some students received last-minute placement calls without proper documentation, making it difficult for parents to comply with school requirements.
Another parent, Edna Kerubo, who travelled from Kisii County to admit his son to the school, described the admission process as orderly.
“I arrived here at around 11a.m to admit my child. The process is okay and I have not faced any major challenges. This is my first time here and so far everything is fine,” Kerubo said.
She, however, expressed concern over the cost of some items required by the school, including uniforms and footwear.
“We were told not to bring crocs but slippers. When we arrived, we were told to buy school-approved slippers and uniforms. Outside, a uniform costs about Sh100, but here it costs Sh300, which is expensive for parents,” she noted.
Kerubo appealed to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Ministry of Education to review the student placement system, citing hardships faced by families whose children are posted far from home.
“We request the government to consider posting learners to schools within or near their home counties. Some parents are not financially able, especially those who had prepared to take their children to day schools,” she said.
The parents also urged the government to consider learners from poor backgrounds in future placements and allow them to attend nearby day schools.
“We thank the government for the work done, but we ask that by 2027, the system be reviewed to ensure fairness and accessibility for all learners,” said another parent.
However, Homa Bay High School has confirmed an impressive intake, with more than 250 students already admitted by mid-morning today.
Senior Master administration, Gerald Odundo said the school opened its gates as early as 6 a.m. to receive parents and students, noting that the process has largely proceeded without major disruptions.
“So far, the admission process has been smooth. We have admitted about 250 students and expect the number to rise to nearly 700 by the end of the day, which is our full capacity,” Odundo said.
He added that although the school was initially allocated approximately 700 students, not all are expected to report.
The senior master, however, noted that the administration is handling close to 300 special requests, including transfers and ministry-related placements, which are being processed through the Ministry of Education’s electronic system.
Odundo also acknowledged minor challenges, particularly involving orphaned students who are unable to meet some of the basic admission requirements.
“Some students are orphaned and lack basic necessities, but as a school we are doing our best to ensure they are admitted. Support from sponsors will come later,” he noted.
The admission exercise is scheduled to run from January 12 to January 16, with the school continuing to admit students throughout the week.
He further revealed that between 20 and 30 transfer requests are still pending approval, but the school is confident the Ministry will resolve the matter.
The school administration has assured parents that efforts are underway to streamline the process and accommodate all eligible students as the exercise continues.
By Sitna Omar
