Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has announced that the placement window for Grade 10 learners will remain open for one more week to allow all students facing challenges with placement to settle, as the government pushes for a 100 per cent transition under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Speaking at Kamahuha Girls High School in Murang’a County during a tour to assess the reporting of Grade 10 students to senior school, the CS said the extended window will allow learners seeking transfers to do so smoothly.
“Those students who might want to transfer are being allowed, and we will make the process as smooth as possible for both learners and parents,” Migos said.
He noted that this year marks the first admission of learners into senior school under the CBE system, explaining that the ministry anticipated initial challenges but had put measures in place to address them.
“This being the first admission under CBE, we are here to monitor the process of admitting Grade 10 learners through the KHEIMS platform,” he said.
“So far, the admission process has been smooth, with learners going through all the required levels of approval before being admitted.”
Migos added that the Ministry of Education, working with other stakeholders, will ensure all Grade 10 learners are fully placed in schools by January 16.
He also moved to quell concerns among parents over alleged increases in school fees and reductions in capitation, dismissing the claims as false.
“I want to assure parents that there has been no increase in school fees and no slashing of capitation,” he said.
“In fact, the government has already released Sh44.1 billion in capitation for the first term, and we are working to address any remaining challenges related to capitation going forward.”
On student safety, the CS said the ministry will strictly enforce policies requiring the construction of footbridges for schools located near busy roads. At Kimorori Primary and Junior School, which lies along the busy Nairobi–Meru Highway, Migos noted that the absence of a footbridge poses a serious safety risk to learners and will be urgently addressed.
He also called on education stakeholders and the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to intensify efforts to curb the sale and abuse of drugs and substances around learning institutions.
“We must ensure that our institutions are safe for learning at all times. Drug and substance abuse around schools must be fought decisively,” he said.
Echoing the CS’s sentiments, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua said her constituency continues to battle alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, noting that many areas are marginalized and vulnerable.
“We acknowledge this challenge, and we will work with all stakeholders to ensure Maragua becomes safe for our children,” Wamaua said.
She called on the County government to control the licensing of bars and alcohol outlets near schools to ensure a safe environment for all learners.
She also criticised leaders she accused of politicising the education sector by spreading misinformation that had caused unnecessary anxiety among parents.
“Some leaders went around claiming that capitation had been slashed and school fees increased, which is not true,” she said.
“They should stop causing panic. Education is the backbone of our development, and learning is already going on smoothly after the release of capitation.”
Wamaua further urged school heads to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“School administrators must account for every shilling of the capitation released to ensure learners benefit fully,” she said.
Nationally, over 1.3 million pioneer learners are expected to transition to Grade 10 (senior secondary), marking a historic milestone as the first cohort under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
By Florence Kinyua
