Kajiado: Basic Education Principal Secretary Ambassador Julius Bitok has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Grade 10 learner is excluded from school due to financial constraints. As part of the government’s initiative to achieve a 100% transition rate to Grade 10, Bitok emphasized that no learner would be barred from attending school for lack of fees.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bitok made these remarks while overseeing the distribution of Sh20 billion in Elimu scholarships to vulnerable students entering senior secondary schools in Kajiado County. He reported that the current transition rate stands at 91%, with approximately 100,000 learners yet to join their designated schools. Bitok stated, “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.”
Bitok further explained that chiefs and education officers across the country have been tasked with conducting a mop-up exercise to locate and ensure the prompt enrollment of students who are still at home. Nonetheless, he clarified that parents are still responsible for paying the required 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 added.
These efforts align with President William Ruto’s recent directive, urging all schools to admit Grade 10 learners regardless of their ability to pay fees or obtain uniforms. In Meru County, the President instructed school heads and national administration officers to ensure that no child remains at home due to financial barriers. He said, “I am directing that no child should stay at home because of school fees. Every child must go to school.”
Following President Ruto’s directive, the Ministry of Education has instructed school principals to admit all placed learners unconditionally and permit those without senior school uniforms to attend in their Junior Secondary School (JSS) uniforms. Bitok also mentioned that the government has released capitation funds promptly, enabling public schools to accommodate learners even if fees have not been paid.
Additionally, Bitok disclosed that the government has allocated Sh52 billion to publishers to ensure the supply of Grade 10 textbooks. Over 12,000 Grade 10 learners are expected to benefit from the 2026 Elimu and CAMFED scholarship programs. These three-year scholarships will assist 10,000 students under the World Bank-funded Elimu program and 2,337 girls in Kajiado County through CAMFED.
