All the 1,225,502 candidates who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 2021 will transition to secondary schools for their secondary education.
Speaking during the launch of the 2021 form one selection at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha, said all the candidates will be admitted in the 9,200 public schools and no child will be locked out from school.
He however noted that the selection for placing candidates in schools will strictly apply to the principles of merit, choice and equity.
Prof Magoha said the number of candidates who have been placed in national schools are 38,797, those for Extra County are 214,960, special needs 2,045, county schools 218,456, refugee camps 9,128, while those for Sub County schools are 726,311.
The CS noted that the selection process has shown that a big number of candidates did not receive proper guidance and direction while choosing schools.
“The scenario can be avoided if candidates are offered relevant guidance during the selection process by teachers and their parents. Relevant ministry officials must also move to have in place proper sensitisation programmes on the form one selection process,” said the CS.
The selection attracted many applications in the following schools: Nanyuki High School, Kabianga High School, Pangani Girls, Nakuru High School, Maseno School, Alliance Girls, Butere Girls High School, Kapsabet Boys, Mang’u High School and Moi Girls Eldoret which is a problem,” he added.
The CS thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for directing the initiation of 100 percent transition policy, which has put a smile on many households especially in the era of the free day secondary school learning.
“This sad story of KCPE candidates missing slots in Form One has now been consigned into the annals of history, thanks to the President most noble 100 per cent transition policy,” Magoha said.
“We will continue working with the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to facilitate the enrollment of every child in secondary school to actualise the 100 per cent transition,” Prof Magoha said.
He urged all stakeholders not to drop the ball in implementing the policy directive, even in the face of a few challenges that stand on the way among them negative effects of insecurity in some parts of the country, teenage pregnancies, long distances to school and poverty and in particular this time of Covid-19 pandemic.
The CS also urged school principals not to admit students in National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) before they report physically.
He at the same time announced that the government will avail 9000 more scholarships this year.
The CS said out of the 9000 scholarships, 4000 beneficiaries will be drawn from the slums, a move that will enable the learners to break the ceiling and liberate their families from dehumanising urban poverty.
“I wish to commend and appreciate other bursary providers such as Equity Bank, KCB, Co-operative Bank, NG-CDF, and county governments among others who are part of this support in the achievement of 100 percent transition,” said Magoha.
He said, “Bursaries and scholarships should be given to students admitted to boarding schools since day schooling is free,” adding that for boarding school well-wishers and philanthropists are encouraged to consider covering costs of other non-tuition related expenses such as school uniforms and personal effects for children who are needy.
The CS said the ministry is committed in ensuring that parents and guardians with learners joining Form One are not overburdened with unnecessary requirements that increase the cost of education.
He announced that the reporting date for all 2022 students will be on May 3 this year and urged parents who require assistance to visit their respective county directors, adding that candidates, parents and guardians can access joining instructions online for all categories of schools through the Ministry’s website.
By Alain Christian and Mwereza Sorotina
