Parents and guardians in Tinderet Sub County are growing increasingly frustrated as they struggle to secure senior school placements for Grade Nine graduates.
Limited vacancies in public schools and strict boarding-only admission policies are locking out deserving learners from the local community, leaving families anxious and learners idle.
Several families report making repeated visits to schools such as Tinderet Boys High School, Tinderet Girls High School, Meteitei Boys Secondary School, and Songhor Secondary School, only to be told that boarding facilities are already full. With private school fees beyond the reach of many households, parents say their options are rapidly narrowing.
“We have been moving from one school to another since the results were released,” said Selina Chepkemoi, a parent from Kapsimotwa location. “At Tinderet Girls, we were told the dormitories are full, and at Meteitei Boys the same thing. These are government schools built on land donated by the community, yet our children cannot access them.”
According to parents, the high cost of boarding education remains one of the biggest barriers to placement. In a sub-county where many families rely on small-scale farming and casual labor, raising full boarding fees within a short time has proved difficult.
“Even where a boarding space is available, the fees are too high for most parents,” said Kiprono Rono, a guardian from Songhor. “If these schools allowed day scholars, parents would take responsibility for meals and transport. That would reduce congestion in dormitories and still allow children to learn.”
Community members say the current placement delays are already affecting learners, many of whom have been at home for months after completing Grade Nine. Local leaders warn that prolonged idleness could expose young people to early marriages, drug abuse, and other social challenges.
“When learners are left without direction, the entire community feels the impact,” said Joseph Kiplagat, a resident of Tinderet Sub County. “Schools like Tinderet Boys and Songhor Secondary have classrooms and teachers. What is needed is flexibility in admitting students from nearby villages as day scholars.”
The learners themselves describe the situation as stressful and demoralizing, especially after completing junior secondary school with the hope of smoothly transitioning to senior school.
“I passed my exams and my teachers encouraged me, but up to now I am still at home,” said Faith Chebet, a Grade Nine graduate from Tinderet Ward. “Every day I ask my parents if they have found a school. If Tinderet Girls accepted day scholars, I would already be in class.”
Another learner, Brian Kiptoo from Meteitei area, said studying close to home would help students remain focused and disciplined. “We are ready to walk long distances if needed. We just want to continue with our education like other students,” he said.
Education stakeholders in the sub-county note that the transition to senior school under the new education structure has placed unexpected pressure on existing institutions. Population growth and increased enrolment at junior secondary level have not been matched by a similar expansion of senior school infrastructure, creating bottlenecks in admissions.
Parents are now appealing to the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission to urgently assess capacity in public schools in the area, expand facilities, and review admission guidelines to allow public boarding schools to enroll day scholars from surrounding communities.
“These schools belong to the public,” said Chepkemoi. “Our request is simple: let our children learn in the schools near their homes so that no learner in Tinderet is left behind.”
As the academic year continues, parents and guardians warn that without swift intervention, many Grade Nine graduates in the sub-county risk missing out on senior school education altogether, a situation they say could have long-term consequences for both learners and the wider community.
The parents’ appeal highlights the need for flexible admission policies and expanded infrastructure to ensure that all learners, regardless of financial status, can continue their education without delay, thereby supporting the social and academic development of Tinderet Sub County.
By Sammy Mwibanda
