Murang’a: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, Migos 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. He stated, ‘This being the first admission under CBE, we are here to monitor the process of admitting Grade 10 learners through the KHEIMS platform.’ He further mentioned that 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 addressed parental concerns regarding alleged increases in school fees and reductions in capitation, dismissing these claims as false. ‘I want to assure parents that there has been no increase in school fees and no slashing of capitation,’ he said, adding that the government has already released Sh44.1 billion in capitation for the first term and is working to address any remaining challenges related to capitation.
On student safety, Migos emphasized that 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, he 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.
Echoing the CS’s sentiments, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua acknowledged the battle against alcohol, drug, and substance abuse in her constituency, noting that many areas are marginalized and vulnerable. 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. Wamaua also criticized leaders who she accused of politicizing the education sector by spreading misinformation that had caused unnecessary anxiety among parents.
Wamaua further urged school heads to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, emphasizing that school administrators must account for every shilling of the capitation released to ensure learners benefit fully. 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.
