Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has urged leaders across the country to unite in ensuring that all learners transition from junior to senior secondary school.
Speaking on Tuesday during the burial of the late Endo Ward Member of the County Assembly, Jeremiah Kibiwott Toryebee, in Kasige, Marakwet East Constituency, CS Murkomen emphasised the shared responsibility of community leaders in keeping children in school.
“Let all of us work together to ensure full transition from junior to senior secondary school,” he said.
“The County Commissioner and the NGAO team have clear instructions to go to the villages and ensure that all children who are supposed to be in school are attending classes.”
Murkomen also addressed security and peace efforts in the Kerio Valley, commending progress made in sustaining stability and promising continued government action to recover illegally held firearms.
“I want to assure you that the work we have undertaken here to repossess illegal firearms will continue until there are none left in civilian hands,” he stated, issuing a stern warning to those in possession of unlicensed weapons.
In addition, the CS announced the launch of special operations targeting commercial networks involved in the manufacture, distribution, and supply of adulterated alcohol and drugs, particularly through porous border points.
“We will carry out special operations targeting commercial suppliers of adulterated alcohol and drug substances,” he said.
The funeral was attended by a broad spectrum of national and county leaders, including Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek, Senator William Kisang, Members of Parliament Kangogo Bowen, Adams Kipsanai, Timothy Kipchumba, and Caroline Ngelechei, as well as county assembly representatives led by Speaker Lawi Kibire.
Murkomen’s remarks come after Education CS Julius Ogamba announced that the transition rate now standing at 75 per cent.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ogamba attributed the rapid progress to targeted government interventions, including door-to-door mop-up exercises spearheaded by chiefs and other National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).
“We are taking decisive steps to ensure that every eligible learner moves seamlessly from Grade 9 to Grade 10. Our vision is to create an education system where all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to succeed,” he said.
