Ogamba Orders Immediate Admission of All Grade 10 Learners Despite Fee Challenges
The Ministry of Education has announced a series of urgent measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and fair admission process for learners transitioning to senior secondary schools.
This move follows a directive by President William Ruto to guarantee that no child is denied access to education due to financial or logistical challenges.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking on Thursday, January 22, ordered all public senior secondary schools to immediately admit all Grade 10 learners, regardless of whether they have paid school fees.
The CS made it clear that payment of fees should not be used as a condition to block any learner from reporting to school.
In addition, Ogamba stated that learners who do not yet have the required senior school uniforms should still be allowed to join their new schools while wearing their junior school uniforms. He emphasized that schools must show flexibility and understanding during this transition period.
“All learners must be admitted to their respective senior secondary schools without any conditions related to school fees. Principals are instructed to make proper use of the capitation funds already disbursed by the government,” Ogamba directed.
While addressing the media, the CS further instructed all senior and junior school heads to immediately submit details of learners who had not been admitted by January 21, 2026. He said this information would help the Ministry track affected students and ensure they are enrolled without further delay.
Ogamba also ordered school administrators to work closely with Sub-County Directors of Education and National Government Administration Officers, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, to trace learners who are still at home and facilitate their quick admission to school.
To further ease the financial burden on parents, the CS announced the immediate cancellation of admission fees in all public senior secondary schools. He reminded school heads that charging such fees is against the law.
Citing Section 34(5) of the Basic Education Act, 2013, Ogamba reaffirmed that no child should be denied admission to a public school under any circumstances.
He warned that any school found ignoring or violating these directives would face legal action. Parents and guardians were encouraged to report cases of non-compliance to the nearest Education Office or National Government Administration Office for appropriate intervention.
Ogamba’s announcement came just hours after President William Ruto issued a strong directive to the Ministry of Education to ensure the immediate admission of all learners facing challenges such as lack of school fees or uniforms.
Speaking during the Nyota Capital Disbursement event held in Meru County on the same day, President Ruto said it was unacceptable for children to miss school because of poverty-related issues.
“I have been informed that many students have not reported to school due to lack of school fees and uniforms. I now direct parents and all chiefs to ensure that every child reports to school, regardless of these challenges,” the President said.
Ongoing Grade 10 Admission Challenges
Despite these directives, many learners across the country have continued to experience uncertainty and stress due to ongoing admission problems. Several students have remained at home for days, unsure of their placement or unable to report due to financial constraints.
A significant number of learners have raised concerns over incorrect placements, with many being posted to schools far from their homes. Parents say the distance and added costs have made it difficult for their children to report on time.
Additionally, parents have complained about extra charges imposed by some school heads, especially for uniforms, bedding, and other requirements. Some families revealed they were asked to pay as much as Ksh40,000 to cover uniform costs alone.
These financial demands have forced many bright and deserving students, including those admitted to national and extra-county schools, to abandon their placements because their families cannot afford the expenses.
The Ministry of Education now hopes that the latest directives will ease these challenges, protect vulnerable learners, and ensure that every Grade 10 student gets a fair chance to continue their education without unnecessary barriers.
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