By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 22 January 2026 - All learners joining Grade 10 must be admitted to school immediately, regardless of whether they have paid fees or acquired new uniforms, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed.
In a firm move aimed at easing the troubled transition to senior secondary school, Ogamba said no child should be kept out of school because of financial hardship or unmet requirements.
“All learners shall be admitted to their respective senior schools without any condition as to the payment of school fees,” the CS said, directing principals to rely on government capitation already disbursed to support new entrants. He added that students without senior school uniforms should be allowed to report in their junior school attire.
The directive follows President William Ruto’s order earlier on Thursday calling for the immediate admission of learners facing challenges, particularly those unable to raise school fees or afford uniforms.
Speaking during the Nyota Capital disbursement event in Meru County, President Ruto said access to education must not be blocked by poverty.
“I am informed that many students have not reported to schools due to a lack of school fees and uniforms. I hereby direct parents and every chief to ensure that each child reports to school regardless of these requirements,” he said.
To tighten enforcement, Ogamba instructed both senior and junior school heads to urgently submit details of learners who had not reported by January 21. He also ordered schools to work closely with Sub-County Directors of Education and National Government Administration Officers to trace and admit affected students without delay.
More from Kenya
In a further step, the CS revoked admission fees charged by public senior secondary schools, citing the Basic Education Act, 2013.
“In line with Section 34(5) of the Act, no child shall be denied admission to a public school,” he said, warning that any headteacher who defies the directive will face legal action.
The move comes amid growing frustration among parents and learners as Grade 10 admissions continue to be dogged by placement errors, long distances to assigned schools and high entry costs. Some parents reported being asked to pay as much as Sh40,000 for uniforms, bedding and other requirements, forcing many families to delay reporting.
In several cases, learners admitted to national and extra-county schools have failed to take up their places due to the high financial demands, despite meeting academic qualifications.
The government now hopes that removing fee-related barriers and enforcing unconditional admission will stabilise the transition process and ensure no learner is left behind as senior secondary schooling takes shape.
Ogamba Orders Immediate Admission of Grade 10 Learners Despite Fee Challenges
Government wants all Grade 10 learners enrolled
