By F, KNA
The National Chairperson of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Omboko Milemba, has announced plans to table a motion in the National Assembly seeking the transfer of Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners from junior secondary to senior secondary schools.
Speaking on Thursday at Itumbu Primary and Junior Secondary School in Vihiga County, Milemba said the proposal is intended to address enrollment imbalances among schools categorized as C1, C2, C3 and C4 under the current education structure.
He observed that senior secondary schools, particularly those classified as C4, are experiencing significantly low enrollment after C1, C2 and C3 institutions admitted the majority of Grade 10 students this year.
“Our senior secondary schools, especially those classified as C4, are facing a serious challenge because C1, C2 and C3 schools admitted almost all Grade 10 students, leaving C4 schools struggling with low enrollment and fighting to survive,” said Milemba.
The proposed motion seeks to relocate Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners to senior secondary schools in a move aimed at protecting smaller institutions, ensuring equitable access to education and maximizing the utilization of available infrastructure and teaching personnel.
Milemba noted that many senior secondary schools are well equipped with laboratories, libraries, qualified teachers and spacious classrooms, yet some currently have no Grade 10 learners.
“This amounts to underutilization of valuable public resources that were invested to improve the quality of education,” he said.
He further explained that schools are strategically established to serve specific communities. In some areas, he added, poor transport networks and long distances make it difficult for learners to access institutions located far from their homes.
“To such students, nearby schools are not a luxury but a necessity. We must ensure that every child can access education conveniently and safely,” he emphasized.
Milemba called on legislators to support the motion once it is tabled in the House for debate, saying the proposal would promote fairness and sustainability within the education sector.
He also urged school principals to prepare to receive junior secondary learners under fair and manageable terms. Additionally, he proposed that the government consider reviewing the capitation fee to Sh15,000 instead of Sh22,000, cautioning that insisting on the higher amount could strain government support and negatively affect implementation.
He stressed the need to avoid imposing extra financial burdens on parents.
