The transition of learners from Grade 9 to Grade 10 in Central Kenya is still below the government’s target, raising concern among education officials and community leaders. This is despite a directive by President William Ruto allowing students to report to school even without uniforms or full school fees.
According to Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, the region has achieved an average transition rate of 84 per cent. Kirinyaga and Kiambu counties are leading with 88 per cent enrolment, while Nyeri, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties are slightly above 80 per cent. The figures fall short of the government’s goal of a 100 per cent transition under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The policy requires all learners completing Grade 9 to move directly to Grade 10, which marks the start of senior secondary school. Nkanatha warned that parents who deliberately keep their children at home risk facing legal action. He urged families experiencing financial or logistical challenges to seek assistance from local chiefs and government offices, noting that enrolment will continue even after the January 21 reporting deadline.
In Kirinyaga’s Ndia constituency, school heads say many institutions are still recording low turnout weeks after reopening. Gacharu Secondary School principal Eunice Munene said some schools have admitted only a fraction of the expected learners, creating uncertainty in planning and learning activities. She attributed the situation to parents delaying enrolment despite repeated assurances from the government.
Ndia MP George Kariuki echoed these concerns and called on parents to take responsibility. He said education is a basic right and pledged to work with chiefs, school administrators and community leaders to trace learners who have not yet reported. Kariuki announced plans to roll out local initiatives aimed at ensuring all students join senior secondary school.
At the national level, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok reported that the transition rate stands at 91 per cent, with about 100,000 learners yet to report. He said door-to-door campaigns are ongoing, with public day secondary schools playing a key role in absorbing new Grade 10 students due to their affordability and accessibility.
