The government has directed all public senior schools to admit learners transitioning to Grade 10 without imposing conditions related to school fees or senior school uniforms, in a move aimed at ensuring a smooth transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In a press statement issued on January 22, 2026, the Ministry of Education said the directive was issued by President William Ruto to address challenges that have delayed the reporting of some learners to senior schools.
“Earlier today, His Excellency the President has directed that all learners transitioning to Grade 10 be admitted to their assigned schools even if they do not yet have the senior school uniforms or the required fees,” the statement read.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba instructed senior school principals to immediately admit all learners placed in their institutions, warning against any form of exclusion.
Learners without senior school uniforms have been allowed to report in their junior school uniforms as temporary arrangements are made.
“All learners shall be admitted to their respective senior schools without any condition as to the payment of school fees,” Ogamba said, adding that principals should optimise the use of capitation funds disbursed to schools on January 2, 2026, while allowing parents and guardians flexibility in settling household contributions.
The ministry further reminded school heads that the law prohibits charging admission fees in public senior schools.
“In accordance with Section 32 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, no learner shall be required to pay admission fees for admission to a public senior school,” the statement said.
It also warned that denying any child admission to a public school is unlawful. “In line with Section 34(5) of the Basic Education Act, 2013, no child shall be denied admission to a public school,” the ministry stated.
Parents and guardians were cautioned that failure to present children for admission is a punishable offence under the law.
“It is an offence, punishable by law under Section 31 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, to fail to present their children for admission,” Ogamba said.
To account for learners who have not reported, the ministry directed senior and junior school heads to immediately share details of such learners with Sub-County Directors of Education and National Government Administration Officers to facilitate tracing and prompt admission.
The ministry also ordered Sub-County Directors of Education to collect data on all learners admitted without uniforms or fees and submit the information to the ministry headquarters for monitoring and policy action.
“Any report of non-compliance with the foregoing directives shall be made to the nearest Education Office or National Government Administration Office for appropriate action,” Ogamba said.
The directive is part of government efforts to ensure full transition to senior school and prevent disruptions that could lock learners out of the education system due to financial or logistical constraints.
