Grade 10 transition in Central lags despite Ruto directive

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Despite a directive by President William Ruto allowing students to report to school with or without uniforms and school fees, a large number of parents in Central Kenya have failed to enroll their children in Grade 10.

The move has raised concerns among education stakeholders as the government pushes for a 100 per cent transition to senior secondary school.

The government’s policy aims to ensure no learner is left behind under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) that requires all Grade 9 pupils to move directly into Grade 10 as part of the senior secondary level.

According to Central regional commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, the region has so far recorded an average transition rate of 84 per cent.

Nkanatha said Kirinyaga and Kiambu counties are leading at 88 per cent while Nyeri, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties are slightly above 80 per cent.

“Parents should take advantage of the President’s directive and enroll their children. Those found deliberately keeping their children at home will face legal action,” he warned.

He urged parents facing financial or logistical challenges to seek help from local chiefs and government offices.

Nkanatha reiterated the enrolment would continue despite the lapse of the January 21 deadline to allow all learners to join schools.

In Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga county, school principals said many schools continue recording low student turnout weeks after the official reporting date.

“Many local schools have only received a fraction of their expected number of learners and this has caused a lot of confusion,” Gacharu Secondary School Principal Eunice Munene said.

Munene blamed the low enrollment on parents who are yet to take their children to school despite repeated government appeals and assurance that financial constraints should not be a barrier.

Ndia MP George Kariuki called on parents to take responsibility and ensure their children report to school immediately.

He said education is a fundamental right and warned that no parent should defy the President’s directive aimed at securing the future of Kenyan learners.

Kariuki who spoke while handing over a new bus and commission a new classroom at Ndia Technical and Vocational Institute, pledged to work closely with chiefs, school administrators and community leaders to trace students who have not yet reported and ensure they are enrolled in senior secondary.

“I will be rolling out initiatives starting next week to mop up all students who are still at home and make sure they continue with their education,” he said.

At the national level, officials have said the transition exercise is gaining momentum, particularly in public day secondary schools which are absorbing the bulk of new Grade 10 learners.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok on Saturday confirmed the national transition rate currently stands at 91 per cent, with about 100,000 learners yet to report to their assigned schools.

He said door-to-door campaigns are ongoing in several counties where education officers, chiefs and school heads are working together to trace learners who have not yet reported.

County directors of education and sub-county education officers are leading the grassroots outreach, supported by National Government Administrative Officers, to sensitise parents on the importance of enrollment and the availability of affordable day school options.

The government maintains day secondary schools remain central to achieving the 100 per cent transition target, as they provide an accessible and low-cost alternative for families struggling with boarding school fees.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Ndia MP George Kariuki pledged to support efforts to mop up all students who are still at home and ensure they enroll in senior secondary. Basic Education Principal Secretary Ambassador Julius Bitok on Saturday confirmed the national transition rate currently stands at 91 per cent, with about 100,000 learners yet to report to their assigned schools.