Basic Education Principal Secretary Ambassador Julius Bitok has reiterated that no learner will be locked out of school due to lack of fees as the government intensifies efforts to achieve 100 per cent transition to Grade 10.
Speaking in Kajiado County, where he presided over the disbursement of Sh20 billion Elimu scholarships to vulnerable learners joining senior secondary schools, the PS said the transition rate currently stands at 91 per cent, with about 100,000 learners yet to report to their assigned schools.
“We have given clear instructions that no learner should be denied a chance to join senior school on account of school fees; every child must be in school. Education is a right, not a privilege,” said Bitok.
He added that chiefs and education officers across the country had been directed to conduct a mop-up exercise to trace learners who are still at home and facilitate their immediate reporting.
The PS however noted that parents would still be required to pay the stipulated school fees.
“Allowing learners to report without fees and uniform now will ensure that no student is left out of school and it gives parents more time to look for the required school fees,” he said.
Bitok’s remarks come days after President William Ruto directed all schools to admit Grade 10 learners regardless of whether they have paid fees or acquired uniforms, as part of the Government’s commitment to guarantee every child the right to education.
The President, speaking in Meru County, ordered school heads and national administration officers to ensure that no child remains at home because of lack of fees.
“I am directing that no child should stay at home because of school fees. Every child must go to school,” President Ruto said.
Following the directive, the Ministry of Education instructed principals to admit all placed learners unconditionally and allow those without senior school uniforms to report in their Junior Secondary School (JSS) uniforms.
The PS added that the government had released capitation funds on time; thus, public schools have the capacity to admit learners, even those who have not paid fees.
He further revealed that the government had already disbursed Sh52billion to publishers to facilitate the supply of Grade 10 textbooks.
Over 12,000 Grade 10 learners will benefit from the 2026 Elimu and CAMFED scholarship programmes.
The three-year scholarships will support 10,000 students under the World Bank-funded Elimu programme and 2,337 girls in Kajiado County through CAMFED.
By Rop Janet
