The Commission on Administrative Justice has called on the State Department for Basic Education to make Grade 10 school placement results more accessible, stressing that timely and equitable access is essential for learners’ academic progress and family planning.
The advisory highlights that the information is not only of public interest but also linked to constitutional rights, including access to education.
The move comes after a complaint under the Access to Information Act, 2016, which raised concerns about the challenges some parents and students face when obtaining placement results.
While the placements for senior secondary schools have already been made, the Commission emphasised that how the results are shared must uphold fairness and transparency.
"Senior Secondary School placement results are of immense public interest. They directly affect learners' educational progression and have significant implications for families and the broader education system," the Commission stated.
"Access to such information is therefore not merely administrative but touches on constitutionally protected rights."
Currently, the State Department provides results through two main channels: a free online portal and a paid SMS service. The Commission noted that limited awareness of the online platform has led many parents and students to use the Sh30 SMS service unnecessarily.
"There was insufficient public awareness of the alternative online access option, resulting in many parents, guardians, and candidates using the SMS platform without knowledge of potentially less costly alternatives," CAJ said.
While the advisory does not demand that the Sh30 fee be eliminated, it urges the Department to review charges to ensure they reflect only the actual cost of delivering the service. It also recommended publishing a clear breakdown of any fees and administrative steps to boost transparency and public confidence.
"The Commission recommended proactive publication of the policy and administrative measures regulating access charges, including a clear breakdown of the cost components informing the SMS fee. Such transparency would promote public trust, reinforce accountability, and align administrative practice with constitutional requirements," the advisory read.
In addition, the Commission advised setting up structured engagement with stakeholders to ensure that all learners, including those with special needs, can access placement results fairly, easily, and affordably.
"The State Department for Basic Education plays a central role in facilitating the right to education, including free and compulsory basic education and access to educational opportunities for children, including those with disabilities, as provided under Articles 43(1)(f), 53(1)(b), and 54(1)(b) of the Constitution," the Commission stated.
"Consequently, it bears a heightened duty to ensure that placement information is disseminated widely, equitably, and in formats that accommodate diverse access needs across the country," it added.
