Education CS Issues Ultimatum to School Principals Over Grade 10 Admissions

Julius Ogamba warns heads risk dismissal if learners are turned away over fees or uniforms by Friday deadline

KISII, Kenya — Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a stern warning to school administrators who prevent complete Grade 10 enrollment, stating they could face job termination if they deny admission to students lacking fees or uniforms.

During remarks in Kisii on Sunday, January 26, Ogamba set a Friday, January 30 deadline for all educational institutions to ensure Grade 10 students are attending classes regardless of their financial status or uniform availability.

Current enrollment figures show that 92 percent of Grade 10 learners have already reported to their assigned institutions, according to the education chief. The government has committed to facilitating the enrollment of the remaining eight percent before week’s end.

Ogamba emphasized that educators who refuse student admission based on outstanding fees or missing uniforms should prepare for consequences. He warned that such actions could result in their own return to academic training, suggesting potential professional repercussions.

Government Mobilizes Support Systems

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, addressing a separate gathering in Kericho, reinforced the message that school administrators must facilitate complete Grade 10 transition. He indicated that government mechanisms would address uniform and fee challenges after students are settled in classrooms.

Kindiki stressed that all learners should report to school immediately, with administrative and financial matters to be resolved subsequently through government intervention.

Previous enrollment data had indicated transition rates as low as 75 percent, prompting authorities to launch intensive campaigns nationwide to locate and register outstanding learners.

Door-to-Door Tracking Initiative

In a January 18 statement, the Ministry of Interior revealed that government personnel are conducting household visits to identify students who have not yet joined either Junior Secondary School or Senior Secondary institutions.

The ministry announced plans to distribute scholarships and bursaries through county-level administrations to assist disadvantaged students and minimize financial barriers to education access.

According to the ministry, government representatives and parents are collaborating on funding mobilization, counseling services, student re-entry assistance, community outreach through local governance structures, and accelerated placement coordination.

Presidential Directive on Uniform Requirements

President William Ruto, speaking in Meru on Thursday, January 22, ordered that students from financially constrained households be allowed to attend senior secondary schools while wearing their junior secondary uniforms.

Ruto acknowledged reports of widespread non-enrollment attributed to fee and uniform obstacles. He directed parents and local chiefs to ensure every child attends school without delay, regardless of whether these requirements have been met.

The directive removes immediate uniform requirements as a barrier to enrollment, allowing families additional time to acquire proper attire while ensuring students do not miss instructional time.

The coordinated government response reflects mounting pressure to achieve universal Grade 10 enrollment as the education system continues implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum transition to senior secondary level.

School administrators now face a critical Friday deadline to demonstrate compliance with the admission directives or risk professional consequences as authorities prioritize educational access over administrative requirements.