The government has announced significant progress in the implementation of Kenya’s 100 per cent school transition policy, revealing that 61 per cent of eligible learners have already joined Senior Secondary School, with enrolment still ongoing.
In a statement on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the government said the overall transition across the education system remains strong, with 97 per cent of learners who completed Grade 6 in 2025 successfully moving to Junior Secondary School (JSS).
“The Government and parents of Kenya have recorded significant national progress in implementing the 100% School Transition Policy,” the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said, noting that the figures demonstrate near-universal compliance with the CBC progression pathway.
According to a report compiled by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in collaboration with County Directors of Education, Kenya is sustaining strong momentum in learner access, retention, and progression across education levels.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all learners transition smoothly through the system, describing full transition as a national imperative.
“We reaffirm the Government's commitment to full transition as a national imperative: every child has a human and constitutional right to education,” the statement said, calling on all stakeholders to help prevent avoidable dropouts caused by financial constraints, delayed placement, or social challenges.
To allow more learners to report and complete placement, authorities said reporting timelines have been extended following concerns raised by stakeholders.
The extension is intended to address individual family challenges while enabling coordinated community-level interventions across counties.
The government acknowledged the role of community-led initiatives in supporting learner transition.
“We appreciate all Kenyans who are part of our community-led interventions anchored in local accountability,” the statement said, adding that targeted measures are being intensified to reach all eligible learners.
Among the key interventions underway are door-to-door tracing and household mapping to re-engage learners who have not reported, community sensitisation through barazas and religious institutions, and the provision of bursaries and scholarships for vulnerable learners through county governments, NG-CDF and NGAOs.
While progress remains strong, the report cited financial constraints, isolated cases of early pregnancy, learner absenteeism, and placement delays as some of the barriers affecting Senior Secondary School transition.
In response, the government said it is strengthening bursary mobilisation, counselling, re-entry support, and placement guidance to ensure no learner is left behind.
